2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

Nissan played it safe with the 2023 Rogue design, making sure it had the right proportions, attractive chiseled styling, and SUV-specific detailing to present a rugged appearance. The Rogue appeared appealing to many, which was crucial since aesthetics play a significant role in vehicle purchase decisions. The Rogue lineup consisted of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The SV, SL, and Platinum trims offered optional Premium packages, and the SV featured the new Midnight Edition package.

The test vehicle in the Platinum trim included the Premium option, all-wheel drive (AWD), two-tone paint, and a bevy of additional features. These enhancements pushed the MSRP to $43,100—a price overlapping with entry-luxury models like the Infiniti QX50. Nonetheless, the Platinum trim was loaded with upscale features, most evident in the luxurious diamond-pattern leather seats. The front cabin featured several soft-touch surfaces, and overall, the material quality met segment standards.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a major styling refresh, updating the looks reminiscent of the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept first shown in 2013. New lighting elements like light-up VW logos and connecting light bars significantly altered its appearance. The logos in the front and back illuminated white and red, respectively, while the front light bar connected new LED headlights.

Every trim level now had updated wheel designs, ranging from 18-inch alloy wheels on the base SE to 21-inch wheels on the top-tier SEL Premium R-Line. Notably, the 2024 model introduced the Atlas Peak Edition, promoting an outdoorsy aesthetic with features like black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and exclusive color options—Avocado Green and Pure Gray.

Inside, the Atlas featured a revised center cabin with a free-standing infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist gear shifter toggle, which created functional storage space underneath. Although Volkswagen attempted to upscale its interior, some materials like the plastic trim mimicking carbon fiber and diamond stitching on the seats lacked the premium feel expected for higher trims.

For 2023, the Nissan Rogue ditched the old 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology. This new engine generated 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) equipped with paddle shifters, the engine powered the Rogue’s front wheels, with optional AWD for those preferring enhanced traction.

The Rogue’s powertrain, though responsive in urban settings, lacked highway passing power and emitted an unusual cabin note. The CVT generally performed well, but simulated gear changes occasionally felt dramatic. On our test route, the Rogue managed 28.9 mpg, slightly below the expected 31 mpg combined fuel economy.

Equipped with various driving modes—including Eco, Auto, Sport, and additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD models—the Rogue aimed to provide versatility. While the ride quality was commendable over speed bumps, it exhibited excessive body motion over uneven roads, and the steering lacked feedback.

The 2024 Atlas streamlined its powertrain to a single option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable improvement over the previous turbo-four. The powertrain was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and optional AWD.

Volkswagen claimed the 2024 Atlas was quicker than the outgoing VR6 model, estimating a zero to 60 mph time of eight seconds for FWD and 8.3 seconds for AWD, thanks to the more accessible torque. Despite the improved performance metrics, the driving experience remained focused on comfort rather than sportiness, with the engine producing more noise than expected.

The 2024 Atlas retained a 5,000-pound towing capacity for most trims, except the base SE rated at 2,000 pounds. The Peak Edition contributed some off-road capabilities, courtesy of all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode, but the 4Motion AWD system stayed pavement-oriented, lacking the hardware for serious off-roading.

The Rogue replaced traditional family sedans with practical SUV benefits. It offered an elevated seating position, better visibility, and an AWD option for enhanced driving in various conditions. Inside, it comfortably accommodated four adults, with the ability to squeeze a fifth on the rear bench. The Platinum trim boasted premium features like triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat design, although ventilated seats weren’t available.

Rear passenger comfort was mixed—ample space but less supportive seating. The cargo area, equipped with a hands-free power liftgate and Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide system, offered up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

The 2024 Atlas came standard with seating for seven, with flexible second-row seating that could hold three child seats side by side and tilt/slide with them in place. Buyers could opt for second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to six. Cargo space fluctuated based on seating configuration—from 20.6 cubic feet with all rows up to 96.6 cubic feet with both rows folded, surpassing most rivals in class.

Interior updates included more standard comfort features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, and leather upholstery with heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL trim.

Nissan’s infotainment for the Rogue lagged behind, featuring an older system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Platinum trim also offered a wireless charging pad, Alexa Built-in, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a head-up display (HUD).

Despite these abundant tech features, voice recognition was underwhelming, struggling with common commands. The HUD and digital instrument cluster performed reliably, though no significant improvements from their predecessors were noted.

For 2024, the Atlas received significant tech upgrades, making a 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster standard across all trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless phone charging were included, with six USB-C ports available, expandable to eight, including a dash cam port. Higher trims offered a head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The upgraded infotainment system improved user experience with sharp graphics and a map in the digital cluster for easy navigation. However, VW’s reliance on haptic touchpads for control functions detracted from the otherwise tech-savvy interior.

The 2023 Rogue featured ten airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, Safety Shield 360 with various driver assistance systems, and advanced safety tech with NissanConnect services. ProPilot Assist added adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for highway driving, performing well under test conditions despite occasional braking abruptness.

The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for 2022, though it received “Marginal” and “Acceptable” scores in updated frontal and side-impact tests, respectively. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.

The 2024 Atlas achieved a five-star NHTSA rating, with stellar side crash performance. While IIHS ratings for 2024 were pending, the structurally similar 2023 model performed well in all but front overlap tests.

Standard features included Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features like park assist and a surround-view camera were available on higher trims, along with automatic post-collision braking and emergency assist.