2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the SUV's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified, with options for two-tone configurations on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained a conservative yet timeless design, aligning its new front styling with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models. The restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its appeal. The Tiguan was available in four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD. The interior of the Highline R-Line trim featured perforated and piped leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting. However, the hard plastic in the lower cabin revealed its mass-market status. The Tiguan's exterior and interior design aimed for an upscale appearance, with a focus on simplicity and minimalism.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the FWD S grade to 1,653 kg for the AWD Platinum model. Despite the CVT's reputation, it provided a pleasant driving experience. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was respectable, with figures of 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway for FWD models. The AWD configuration slightly increased these numbers. The Rogue's handling improved significantly, thanks to a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD system provided power distribution, with driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Tiguan's off-road capabilities were limited by its 19 cm ground clearance. The suspension system and steering offered a nimble and responsive driving experience, though turbo lag was noticeable. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km for R-Line grades. The Tiguan excelled in normal driving situations but lacked excitement when pushed to its limits.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with it folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim featured leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children comfortably. The Tiguan's cargo space was generous, with 1,064 litres behind the back seat and 2,078 litres with the rear seat folded. However, the optional third row compromised cargo capacity. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. The MIB3's natural voice recognition was disappointing, but smartphone integration through Car-Net App Connect was seamless. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard Front Assist and Side Assist features. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though the touch-sensing controls were challenging to use. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, bringing the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with hopes for improved scores in 2022 due to new safety features.