2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen designed the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by eliminating the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches for a sportier look, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five people. However, the reduced length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The Atlas Cross Sport’s bold, sporty, and upscale appearance was particularly striking in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, although other wheel options were less appealing.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to showcase a more mature look with no new changes for 2022. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims included LED fog lamps, and the vehicle had active grille shutters and underbody covers to improve airflow. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage space. The 9-inch center infotainment display and Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats added to the vehicle’s appeal, making it a comfortable and sophisticated choice.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four’s 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and VW’s 4Motion AWD system was available. The V6 engine provided a more energetic performance, but the ride quality was harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving but struggled with road noise and suspension issues.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a significant performance boost from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, which produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with its variable compression technology, offered improved fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The Rogue’s new CVT transmission provided better acceleration and passing power, and the chassis and suspension delivered a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll. The Rogue’s fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase, track width, and interior with the larger seven-passenger model, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and there was ample storage space throughout the cabin. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, still provided plenty of space for luggage and other items.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin had numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers also had storage options and USB ports for charging devices. The Rogue’s cargo area could accommodate 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of luggage, and folding the second row flat provided 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The base 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features, wireless smartphone charging, and more USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected service subscription plans, but the user experience could be frustrating. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s technology upgrades from the 2021 redesign carried over, 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. The Rogue offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and a 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came 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. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, and Intelligent Driver Alertness technology. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for advanced driver assistance. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for the 2021 model.