2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells were a bit much for some tastes.

Inside, the Rogue’s age was more evident. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms felt dated compared to modern, angular designs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, though the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same sheet metal from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch, giving it a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features. The SEL Premium test vehicle’s fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper looked tacky. The Cross Sport was 5.2 inches shorter and 2.2 inches lower than the seven-seat Atlas, sharing the same 117.3-inch wheelbase. It rode on VW’s MQB platform, which also underpinned models like the Jetta and Golf.

Standard LED exterior lighting, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, was a feature across all Cross Sport models. Wheel sizes varied by trim, with the SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line sporting 21-inch wheels. The R-Line trims added sportier exterior styling, including different bumpers, a fake rear diffuser, and side skirts. Inside, the minimalist design was functional but let down by subpar materials. Even with leather upholstery and contrast stitching in the SEL Premium model, the interior felt cheap, with hard and shiny plastics prone to fingerprint smudges. The color scheme was dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place in a non-performance model.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single powertrain: 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 merely adequate. While the CVT made the most of the 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 versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and smoothed out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL’s 19-inch wheels and tires didn’t make it fun to drive. The electrically assisted steering felt lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and start-stop systems for better fuel economy. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, paired with AWD, provided livelier acceleration and a pleasant sound, but midrange acceleration was less robust than expected, and the transmission was slow to react.

Ride quality in the Cross Sport was among the worst for modern crossovers, with every bump and pothole felt in the cabin. Wind and tire noise were also significant issues. Despite its name, the Cross Sport didn’t feel sporty, handling more like a truck with lots of body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while four-cylinder models were rated for 2,000 pounds. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a better off-road choice.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs and Quick Comfort heating. However, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller drivers. The back seat, on the other hand, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, making it a preferred spot for passengers. Rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports added to the comfort.

In-cabin storage was limited, with only the glove compartment offering significant space. However, cargo volume was impressive, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, and front headroom was above average. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom, making it uncomfortable for taller passengers. Cargo space was 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was above average but still behind the Honda Passport.

The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. SE with Technology trims added a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and bins, with a decent-sized center console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders. A large cubbyhole ahead of the shifter housed charge ports and was big enough for most phones.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Depending on the trim, upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. Subscription-based NissanConnect Services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings, with free trial periods ranging from six months to three years.

Despite the sophisticated features, the NissanConnect interface was disappointing. The 7-inch touchscreen had a recessed display that looked outdated, and the system was slow to respond, especially when zooming the navigation map. Voice recognition technology was also subpar, affecting the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base S trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the new MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, pinch-to-zoom screens, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims included additional USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The MIB3 system, though not dramatically different from MIB2, was slow to load, and the Fender audio system sounded lo-fi. Voice recognition required specific prompts and activation via the touchscreen. The Digital Cockpit display was a highlight, offering reconfigurable gauges and text-based configurations. Analog controls for basic functions made the touchscreen less necessary, appealing to less tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.

However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a dismal 3-star rating for driver protection in a frontal-impact collision. The IIHS also had concerns about the Rogue’s headlights and front-passenger protection, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, but with mixed headlight ratings. Only higher-level trims earned a “Good” score, while others were rated “Marginal.” The Cross Sport also received a “Marginal” rating for child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal and rollover tests.

Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features were adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, parking sensors, and parking assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims, which provided automated lane centering and emergency stopping.