2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the reduced length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold and upscale appearance, although the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized. The interior offered various colour combinations, all conveying an upscale look, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more traditional design approach, with proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats. The Rogue's interior was well-appointed, with soft-touch materials and quality controls, although the lack of ventilated front seats was a drawback. The Rogue's design was appealing, and its practicality made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, offering various driving modes. The V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport compared to the three-row Atlas, although the suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The ride quality was best on highways, but road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, the engine powered the front wheels, with AWD available on all but the base trim. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain was preferred over the previous 2.5-litre engine, providing responsive performance in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the steering felt lifeless, and the tires produced noticeable noise on rough surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, offering an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and the cargo area provided ample space, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical replacement for a traditional family car, comfortably accommodating four people, with room for a fifth if needed. The Platinum trim included a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, offering comfort, though the rear seats were less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions and quilted pleats. The Rogue's rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space with the moonroof installed, expandable to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless smartphone charging. The Execline trim added a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised. However, the user experience with the infotainment system was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system, with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle included the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology was limited in functionality, often providing incorrect results. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive LED headlights and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. The Travel Assist system, while accurate, lacked refinement, and the Lane Assist technology occasionally misinterpreted road markings. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted an extensive array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link on higher trims. The ProPilot Assist system worked well on highways, providing accurate lane-centring and adaptive cruise control. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.