2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen had completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, marking the start of its all-new second generation. This revamp sought to address the compact crossover SUV’s prior shortcomings, notably its small size and relatively high price. By 2020, the Tiguan had found its identity as a vehicle that was both stylish and conservatively German on the outside. Its clean, simple lines were emblematic of contemporary Volkswagen design, featuring a new flat logo on a horizontal grille that seamlessly connected the headlights. The design was straightforward and devoid of unnecessary flourishes, a trait that had a certain charm for those who preferred cars that looked like classic vehicles.

However, the interior told a different story. Once considered a leader in interior design, Volkswagen seemed to have cut some corners with the Tiguan’s cabin. The interior featured a considerable amount of dull surfaces and hard black plastic. It never quite reached the sophistication and quality that had been a hallmark of VW interiors from a decade or two ago. The cockpit, described by some as "simple," was actually quite plain and could easily be labeled as "boring." Despite this, Volkswagen invested heavily in electronic features. The optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were highpoints, offering a modern, smartphone-like aesthetic that many found appealing.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue debuted with a more rugged, technical appearance. Its new styling gave it a distinct SUV character featuring dark gray plastic cladding that covered its lower perimeter. Simulated skid plates and lower door protection elements added to its rugged appeal, though some found the treatment of the rear bumper a bit too audacious. Clean LED lighting elements and a prominent V-Motion grille enhanced its modern look. All trim levels offered aluminum wheels up to 19 inches, and an optional two-tone paint with a black roof gave it a custom appearance.

The 2021 Rogue presented four available trims, starting with the base Rogue S at $25,650 and rising to the luxurious Rogue Platinum at $35,430, each adding incrementally more features and luxury. Options such as all-wheel drive and premium packages allowed for further customization. The test vehicle, an SL trim, boasted additional premium packages and optional features, culminating in a total cost of $35,195.

Inside, the Rogue's Almond color leather interior and panoramic glass sunroof contributed to a bright and spacious feel. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars emphasized the interior's quality. The controls were arranged logically with a clean design, and the top-tier Platinum trim elevated the luxury with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Despite having an outdated CD player, the Rogue included modern tech like wireless Apple CarPlay, integrating the best of both old and new technologies.

Performance-wise, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving either the front or all four wheels. VW tuned the engine for torque rather than horsepower, offering a respectable yet not outstanding level of performance. Weighing between 3,757 pounds for the front-wheel-drive version and 3,847 pounds for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, the Tiguan was heavier than many of its competitors. Despite the additional weight, the powertrain provided a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, though passing on the highway could still be a drawn-out affair. Engine noise was reasonably muted, contributing to a quiet cabin that was only disturbed by road noise on rough surfaces. The Tiguan’s handling was somewhat less agile due to its longer wheelbase and softer suspension, which prioritized comfort over sportiness.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Rogue came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Weighing almost 3,500 pounds, the Rogue's engine was described as adequate for daily driving. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, managing to replicate the feel of a traditional automatic, complete with paddle shifters, although these weren't likely to see much use. For adventurers, the Rogue featured up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance and offered AWD, along with new driving modes for Snow and Off-Road scenarios. The fuel economy was decent, though the tested FWD Rogue SL delivered 27.5 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating.

The Rogue's ride and handling were notably improved thanks to a new architecture composed of 35% high-strength steel, a strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and a suite of intelligent control systems. These features made the Rogue smooth and athletic, with refined steering that benefitted from relocating the electric assist to the steering rack and quickening the ratio. Although a more powerful turbocharged engine was hinted at by Nissan, the performance of the tested model remained a point of criticism.

The practicality of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was a significant redeeming feature. The second row could slide up to seven inches, making the third row usable for shorter adults and children. While all FWD Tiguans came standard with the third row, it was optional with AWD models, costing an additional $595. The main issue with the third row was its low cushion position relative to the floor, though it still provided more space than many larger vehicles. Convenience was enhanced by the ease of accessing the third row via a simple latch mechanism.

The Tiguan offered impressive cargo capacity. When the third row was folded, the cargo space reached 65.7 cubic feet, and in two-row models, this expanded to 73.5 cubic feet, making it one of the more spacious options in the segment. With ample hip and shoulder room in the front seats, the Tiguan felt as roomy as some midsize SUVs, benefiting further from an abundance of glass and a strategic seating position.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled in its seating and ergonomic design. Equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, these were notably more comfortable than in the previous generation. The seats varied by trim, ranging from cloth in the S trim to quilted semi-aniline leather in the Platinum. Features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were also available, depending on the trim level.

Nissan improved rear passenger comfort with better headroom and legroom and nearly 90-degree rear door openings, simplifying passenger loading and unloading. A new rear-seat reminder system aimed to prevent children or pets from being accidentally left in the vehicle. Nissan also worked to reduce interior noise with aerodynamic enhancements and acoustic glass.

In terms of cargo capacity, the base Rogue provided 31.6 cubic feet of space, while higher trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system increased this to 36.5 cubic feet. Even though these numbers were slightly less than its predecessor, folding the rear seats down offered a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet, rivaling the spaciousness of the Tiguan and standing strong within the segment.

Volkswagen's 2020 Tiguan utilized the "MIB II" infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by "MIB3" in future models. Despite this, the existing system was lauded as one of the best, particularly in non-luxury segments. The base S trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while SE and higher trims boasted an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen known for its glass surface, bright colors, and responsiveness. USB-C and USB-A ports were strategically placed, and higher trims included a wireless charging pad. The Digital Cockpit available in top SEL trims was a standout feature, offering a panoramic map display and customizable options.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's infotainment package was equally competitive. The base S trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. As trims advanced, additional features like NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration were added. The SL Premium Package and Rogue Platinum included a larger 9-inch display, navigation with real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system. The Platinum trim further enhanced tech offerings with wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

Safety was a focal point for both models. For the 2020 Tiguan, Volkswagen enhanced standard safety features to include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Car-Net telematics package provided additional functionalities such as remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Tiguan as a Top Safety Pick, although this was exclusive to models equipped with LED headlights.

Nissan emphasized safety with the 2021 Rogue. Every Rogue came with a comprehensive set of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included standard features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning, but with the added benefit of a standard blind-spot warning system—a highly effective ADAS feature frequently absent at the base trim level. The Rogue also added driver monitoring, a rear-seat reminder system, and ten airbags. Adaptive cruise control and an enhanced ProPilot Assist system, which included lane-centering assistance, were standard starting from the Rogue SV trim. Platinum trim introduced an airbag between the driver and front passenger for additional safety.