2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an attractive appearance despite its age. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded centre console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch, giving it a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features. The Cross Sport's design included standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel options, with the R-Line package adding sportier styling elements. Inside, the minimalist design was visually appealing but let down by subpar materials, with a mix of hard and shiny plastics. The interior colour scheme lacked warmth, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, with the CVT doing its best to make the most of the available power. However, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially when merging onto highways or climbing grades. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with real-world testing showing higher consumption than advertised. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange performance was lacking. The ride quality was disappointing, with bumps and potholes making their presence felt, and the cabin was noisy. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder model was limited to 907 kilograms.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, they were somewhat undersized, and finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller individuals. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support, legroom, and a great view, making them more comfortable than the front seats. The Rogue excelled in cargo space, with 1,112 litres available behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front and rear legroom. However, rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres available with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded. The Cross Sport featured a variety of storage solutions, including a large centre console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services with remote access features. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. While the MIB3 system was slow to load, the Digital Cockpit display provided a modern touch.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with headlight and front-passenger protection in IIHS testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering advanced driver-assist capabilities.