2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Nissan Rogue followed a pragmatic approach to its design, staying true to its intended purpose without excessive flair. This model featured well-balanced proportions, a rugged exterior, and a blend of chiseled styling, all signaling its role as a family-friendly SUV. Nissan didn’t take many design risks but instead focused on creating an appealing and practical look for a broad audience. The Rogue's graceful styling and proper detailing assured many potential buyers that it was both capable and visually pleasant. The 2023 Rogue lineup was split into S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Higher trims like SV, SL, and Platinum were offered with optional Premium packages, while the new Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim. The test vehicle in question was a Platinum trim equipped with the Premium option package, AWD, two-tone paint, and various convenience add-ons. This setup increased the MSRP to $43,100, bringing it into the entry-luxury segment. Notably, the Platinum trim featured diamond-quilted leather seats and a refined interior finish, ensuring a premium feel. In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted an updated look sharing styling elements with its three-row sibling. Volkswagen introduced new lighting elements, with the VW logos and light bars adding a distinctive flair. The front displayed a connected daytime running light bar and new standard LED headlights, giving it a somewhat Americanized appearance. The rear featured reshaped taillights blending into a light bar with another illuminated VW logo, contributing to a modern look. For 2024, the Cross Sport’s trim levels included SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line, differentiated by exterior features and wheel sizes. From 18-inch alloys on the base SE to 21-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line, each trim offered a slightly different visual appeal. The cabin mirrored the three-row Atlas, incorporating a raised center console and a new electronic shifter without mechanical connections, allowing for innovative storage solutions. Interior trim varied from standard leatherette to quilted leather upholstery available on higher trims.

Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Rogue swapped its previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder for a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, capable of delivering 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. This new engine, known as the VC-Turbo, aimed to balance performance with fuel efficiency. The engine was paired with a CVT, offering paddle shifters and driving modes like Eco, Auto, and Sport, while AWD variants added Off-Road and Snow modes. During testing, the Rogue's new powerplant was more responsive in urban settings but lacked passing power on highways. Despite the CVT performing better than expected, the engine’s unusual noise and vibrations might have detracted from the overall driving experience for some. Fuel economy estimates were set at 31 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 28.9 mpg. Handling and ride quality were supported by intelligent brake-induced features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, providing a balance between comfort and stability, though the Rogue did experience some excess body motion on uneven roads. For 2024, Volkswagen opted for a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the Atlas Cross Sport, replacing the less powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four and marking the end of the 3.6-liter VR6 era. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. Despite having a less thrilling engine note, the turbo-four delivered respectable power, enhancing the overall performance compared to the VR6. However, the driving experience was less engaging, and the ride quality suffered, particularly on the 21-inch wheels. Towing capacity remained a standard 5,000 pounds across all trims except the base SE, rated at 2,000 pounds. While it matched the standard for midsize crossovers, those requiring more towing might have preferred alternatives like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a versatile family vehicle, offering ample space and functionality. Accommodations for four adults were comfortable, with an additional fifth spot usable in a pinch. The Platinum trim featured premium touches including triple-zone automatic climate control, semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts on heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite generally good design, a few quirks existed. For instance, the ambient lighting control was placed inside the center armrest bin, and the key fob’s indistinguishable buttons required extra illumination to operate. Rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, easing child seat installation, and the back seat was spacious, albeit less comfortable due to low mounting and unsupported cushions. Cargo-wise, the Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with folded seats. The Divide-N-Hide system provided flexible storage configurations, and available underfloor storage enhanced its practicality. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with expanded standard equipment, highlighting its commitment to comfort and convenience. Features like heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and a tow hitch were now standard on lower trims. While the exterior design impacted rear headroom, legroom remained competitive. The cargo area, unaffected by the sloping roofline, offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet when folded, outpacing most rivals and closely matching the Honda Passport. Interior functionality benefited from a raised center console with ample storage, generous cupholders, and well-designed door pockets. These considerations made the Cross Sport’s cabin both stylish and practical.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with either an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, incorporating volume and tuning knobs alongside accessible main menu buttons. The test model included the 9-inch display with Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. An outdated navigation system struggled with voice recognition, impacting functionality. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display, both performing well. Nissan also integrated a wireless phone charger and a Bose premium audio system, though the Alexa Built-in feature proved unreliable. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport introduced more advanced tech, with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside wireless phone charging, enhanced connectivity and convenience. Despite user-friendly screens and graphics, haptic touchpads replaced conventional buttons, complicating certain operations like adjusting volume. The Atlas Cross Sport also featured standard USB-C ports with up to six available, a dash cam port, and a head-up display on the SEL trim. VW's shift to a Harman Kardon premium audio system from the previous Fender system improved sound quality, offering a notable upgrade on the SEL Premium R-Line.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was packed with safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This suite included systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added NissanConnect services with safe teen driver features and surround-view cameras. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link was available, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, providing valued support on highways. Safety ratings were impressive overall, achieving a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for 2022 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite minor shortcomings in certain crash tests. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also scored a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performances in side-impact crash testing. The structurally similar 2023 model earned high marks from the IIHS in most areas, though new tests were pending. Volkswagen made IQ.Drive standard across all trims, providing a comprehensive suite including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Travel Assist. Higher trims offered advanced features like predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.