2023 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 Cross Sport’s 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 SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold, upscale appearance, although other wheel options were less appealing. The interior featured various color combinations, but the use of hard, glossy plastic detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came with numerous upgrades, including AWD, two-tone paint, and various interior and exterior enhancements, bringing the MSRP to $43,100. The Platinum trim offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, but the engine’s character and some interior design choices, such as the key fob, left room for improvement.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW’s 4Motion AWD system available. The V6 engine in the SEL Premium R-Line trim felt more energetic, but the suspension tuning was inconsistent, leading to a harsh ride on imperfect roads and a soft, compliant feel at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, but road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine provided responsive performance in urban and suburban driving, but lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue’s fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The Rogue’s suspension design, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, offered a good balance of ride compliance and body control, but the steering felt lifeless. The Rogue handled speed bumps well, but undulating pavement caused more body motion than desired.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, resulting in an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard 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 offered plenty of load-floor real estate, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a replacement for the traditional family car, provided ample space for four people, with the option to carry a fifth person in the back seat. The Platinum trim included a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts. The front seats, featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, were comfortable, but the rear seat lacked leg support and comfort. The Rogue offered plenty of storage space, though most locations were unlined, potentially causing unwanted noise. The cargo area, with up to 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, was practical and versatile.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims included a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless smartphone charging, and additional 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 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display, paired with stereo volume and tuning knobs and main menu buttons. The test vehicle had the 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. The voice recognition technology, however, was unreliable. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

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, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim added a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree surround-view camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with standard safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated small overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests.