2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback, and was introduced to the U.S. market as a crossover, despite its SUV-like styling being less pronounced. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, maintaining the grownup look from its previous redesign. It shared design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's exterior was enhanced with active grille shutters and a floating roof illusion, contributing to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, complemented by an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space in the center console. The interior was spacious, with Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row, offering comfort and practicality for passengers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. with a balanced handling experience. An all-wheel-drive version later increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, enhancing its performance. Despite its power, the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll. Regenerative braking was minimal, focusing on coasting efficiency rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine improved fuel efficiency, achieving 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, while the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 lacked a frunk, prioritizing cabin space, and featured a unique twist-grip gear selector. The interior felt spacious, but rear visibility was limited due to thick pillars. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats efficiently maintained cabin warmth.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in storage options, with numerous compartments for front and rear passengers. It offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Rogue's interior was designed for practicality, with USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls, which proved challenging to use. The ID.4 included a voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip for driver communication. The infotainment system was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy navigation.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay on upper trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating navigation for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed easy access to rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist provided automated lane centering, performing well on highways.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist offered Level 2 driver-assist capabilities, managing acceleration, braking, and steering. The Rogue received a four-star safety rating from NHTSA, with the 2021 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.