Volkswagen Tiguan vs Nissan Rogue

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is one of the main players in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Ever since the first Rogue went on sale for the 2008 model year, Nissan has made sure to constantly update and improve what’s now the automaker’s best-selling model in the U.S.

For the 2025 model year, the Rogue gets a little off-road bravado added to its winning recipe. The Rogue Rock Creek trim is equipped with adventure gear like all-wheel drive (AWD), all-terrain tires, a tubular roof rack, a surround-view camera system, and hill-descent control. It also has trim-specific exterior design touches like red trim pieces on the alloy wheels and front grille and “Rock Creek” badges on the front seats. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.1 highway driving assist system is also newly available on the Rogue.

Verdict: With its reasonable price tag and impressive array of comfort features and tech touches, the Rogue is aimed right at the heart of the compact SUV segment. This year’s improvements add a little more polish to the Rogue, particularly with the outdoorsy Rock Creek model and latest generation of Nissan’s hands-free highway driving technology. This is an extremely well-rounded choice, though not everything is perfect.

Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the current third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan gives shoppers an attractive compact crossover with modern styling and a comfortable interior. While it made Volkswagen competitive, there was little about the new Tiguan that helped it stand out in an incredibly crowded market. That changes for 2026 with the introduction of a more powerful SEL R-Line Turbo trim level. The new turbo Tiguan delivers outstanding performance, and its top-shelf interior will help shoppers feel like they’re driving something truly special.

Verdict: With regards to performance, tech, and interior luxury, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan’s SEL R-Line Turbo trim level is outstanding. Lower-tier trim levels lose the luster, though, and that puts the 2026 Tiguan in a curious position. Shoppers ready to spend $45,000 on a compact crossover will love the Tiguan; those shopping at the less expensive trim levels may prefer the competition, particularly if fuel-economy is a priority.