2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its bold exterior, the interior materials were somewhat disappointing, with an abundance of hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The storage areas also lacked linings, leading to unwanted noise and vibration.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a rugged yet appealing design, crucial for attracting buyers. The 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 loaded with features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of upscale upgrades. However, the Rogue's engine note and some vibrations through the accelerator pedal could be off-putting to some drivers. Despite these minor issues, the Rogue's design and interior quality were generally well-received.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque but required premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg in combined driving. The V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, could tow up to 5,000 pounds but had a lower fuel economy rating of 19-20 mpg. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations. However, the V6 engine's lack of refinement and power left much to be desired, and the ride quality was inconsistent, especially on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology. This engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT that included paddle shifters. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the new engine was more responsive than the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder, it lacked passing power on the highway and had an unusual engine note. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. Despite these issues, the Rogue's ride quality and handling were generally well-balanced, providing a secure driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. With the discontinuation of the base S trim, cloth seats were no longer available, but V-Tex leatherette seating became standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas could comfortably seat seven adults, even in the third row, and offered exceptional cargo space. With all seats in place, it provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. However, the unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise and vibration.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also offered a spacious and practical interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the Rogue lacked ventilated front seats, and the rear seat comfort was subpar compared to the front seats. The rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easier to load and unload passengers. The Rogue provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, but the unlined storage areas could cause unwanted noise.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with the last-generation infotainment system, while other trims featured the next-generation MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was marred by slow loading times and a cumbersome tuning process. The navigation system also struggled with voice commands unless upgraded to the Car-Net Hotspot plan and Speech Plus.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was unreliable, struggling to find specific destinations. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and the full collection of IQ Drive safety features. However, the Lane Assist technology had trouble with old construction markings, and the system could not be easily disabled while driving. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came standard with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue's safety features generally worked well, though ProPilot Assist's braking could be abrupt. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests.