2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes extended the vehicle's length by 6 centimetres, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim added sportier elements like unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas maintained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist design, with a standard seven-seat configuration and options for leather upholstery on higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for feeling cheap, with plastics and faux wood and metal trim detracting from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue received a complete redesign, resulting in a more muscular and imposing presence. The new V-Motion grille, LED headlamps, and active grille shutters contributed to a lower drag coefficient. The exterior colour options were streamlined, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces with options for leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather on higher trims. The interior was praised for its quietness and functional updates, such as a shift-by-wire system and improved second-row access. The Rogue's interior design and features aimed to win over skeptics with its attention to detail and practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with occupants feeling every road imperfection. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but fuel efficiency was not impressive, with combined ratings of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the four-cylinder and 12.9 litres for the VR6.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Rogue's engine was well-matched to its curb weight, providing a balanced performance. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with ratings of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.0 on the highway for front-wheel drive models. The Rogue's handling was significantly improved, with better torsional rigidity, reduced weight, and updated suspension systems, resulting in a stable and planted road feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating. It offered 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, second-row legroom was lacking. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout with easy-to-reach controls and up to five USB ports. It also offered up to 17 cupholders, although forward visibility was less than optimal. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue boasted functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. 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 system allowed for cargo separation and floor height adjustment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The MIBIII infotainment system was set to be introduced later in the model year, offering multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded the screen to 9 inches, added wireless phone charging, and introduced a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable upgrade, although the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on highway driving assist feature. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Early versions of the Rogue scored three stars in frontal crash testing, but later versions were upgraded to four stars.