2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test vehicle featured the SL trim with front-drive, the SL Premium Package, and additional accessories, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, highlighted by its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design revealed its age, with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. A thoughtful touch was the padded center console sides for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was available in a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. Its styling, characterized by a shorter length and lower height, gave it an SUV coupe look, appealing to those prioritizing aesthetics over cargo space and a third-row seat. The test vehicle, with SEL Premium trim and the R-Line package, boasted impressive 21-inch wheels and a custom appearance with Pure Gray paint. Inside, the two-tone Burgundy and Titan Black color scheme was visually appealing, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics. The design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, complemented by ambient lighting.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. While the CVT maximized available power, the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD models, but testing revealed a lower 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering, suspension issues, and CVT drone.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, was more suitable for its 4,103-pound weight. The V6 provided a sprightly feel in daily driving and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode, and the Atlas offered an optional 4Motion AWD system. The V6 was adequate, though a more powerful engine would have been preferable. The 8-speed transmission performed well, except for delayed downshifts in normal mode. The 4Motion system allowed some front-wheel slip before engaging the rear wheels, and Active Control offered various traction settings. Despite its size, the Atlas Cross Sport handled well, though it was thirsty, averaging 18.7 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior posed challenges for taller drivers, with seats that were undersized compared to Nissan's usual Zero Gravity designs. The driver's seat height adjustment was limited, affecting comfort for those with longer legs. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support and a good backrest angle, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the view. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage, along with a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, felt spacious inside. The test vehicle featured large, comfortable heated and ventilated leather seats with numerous adjustments. The second row accommodated three children or smaller adults comfortably, with ample legroom and headroom. Rear air-conditioning vents and heated seats added to passenger comfort. The dual-zone climate control struggled in direct sunlight, especially with the engine's stop/start system engaged, but storage space was plentiful. The rakish roofline limited cargo space, but the Atlas Cross Sport still offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with it folded.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services, offering features like remote engine start and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with virtual menu buttons and stereo knobs. The system supported two Bluetooth pairings and included Car-Net services, WiFi, remote start, and safe teen driving features. The 12-speaker Fender sound system delivered excellent audio quality. However, the lack of natural voice recognition was a drawback, necessitating reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Additional options included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included essential ADAS features, with the SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle offering additional systems like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, though lane assistance was not preferred. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.