2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its previous model year, offering a robust and boxy design that was both appealing and upscale, especially in the Execline trim. This top-tier trim featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that complemented the SUV's bold styling. However, the interior, while simple and premium in appearance, was let down by the use of low-cost materials, such as hard and shiny plastics, which detracted from the overall quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, though improvements in material quality were needed to match its nearly $60,000 price tag.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated exterior design, sharing several features with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. The Rogue's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and floating roof design contributed to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a tasteful and detailed look. The centre console was a standout feature, offering ample storage space and a modern electronic gear selector. The Rogue's interior was both attractive and comfortable, with Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, the V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel consumption was higher at 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was criticized for being busy and noisy on certain surfaces.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered improved power and efficiency compared to the previous model, with fuel consumption estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway. The Rogue's CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The Rogue's electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and its tight turning diameter made it easy to maneuver.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the vehicle offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,741 litres with the second row down.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue provided a well-thought-out interior with plenty of storage options for both front and rear passengers. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, and the cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded. The Rogue's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering various outlets and charging ports for devices.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system on the Execline trim. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Atlas's Lane Assist system had issues with false readings, and its crash-test ratings were not class-leading, with a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist features, and the Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.