2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, a staple in Nissan's lineup since 2007, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated design. The latest model carried forward the grown-up look introduced in the previous year, featuring a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and a spacious center console. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row added to the comfort, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its conservative yet gracefully aging design. The SEL R-Line trim, with its sporty appearance and 20-inch machined-finish wheels, stood out. The interior, though featuring some materials reminding of its base price, offered quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The digital instrumentation and robust construction added to the upscale feel. However, the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel and climate panel were less user-friendly, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue saw a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, part of the Variable Compression Turbo family, adjusted the compression ratio mechanically for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had a good feel.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SEL R-Line trim came standard with AWD and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, though real-world testing showed 22.6 mpg. The powertrain, while adequate, lacked the smoothness and power of some competitors, with noticeable turbo lag and delayed downshifts. However, the Tiguan excelled in handling, offering a stable and predictable ride with excellent tire grip and nimble steering.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan also provided ample interior space, especially in the SEL R-Line trim. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the touch-sensing controls on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The rear seats offered generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and a USB charging port. The cargo area, with AWD, held 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the largest in the compact SUV class.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities when integrated with the navigation system.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the touch-sensitive controls and multi-layer sub-menus made the system less user-friendly. The voice-recognition system also underperformed, often failing to connect.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package, standard on most trims, added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, though the NHTSA's crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during side-impact tests.