2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics, featuring well-proportioned and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices starting at $30,898 for the base S FWD and reaching $43,748 for the Platinum trim. The Platinum trim, which we tested, included upscale features such as diamond-pattern leather seats and a range of interior and exterior enhancements, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates that included new lighting elements and illuminated VW logos, giving it a modern look. The Cross Sport's design was more akin to "crossover coupes" from German luxury brands, with a lower roofline and shorter length compared to the standard Atlas. It featured new wheel designs across its trim levels, with options for 18-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch wheels. The interior revisions included a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter, enhancing functionality and storage space.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's AWD system was standard on all but the base trim in Canada, and it featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport. Despite its innovative VC-Turbo engine, the Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD in Canada. The Cross Sport's engine provided better torque and earlier peak torque compared to the previous VR6 engine, though it was not particularly quiet. The Cross Sport's ride quality was not its strong suit, and its maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided a well-equipped interior with standard features like heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and a tow hitch. While front headroom was competitive, the sloping roofline compromised rear-seat headroom. The Cross Sport offered 1,141 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres with them folded, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive. The Execline trim included a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some specific crash tests.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also offered a robust set of safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in side-impact crash testing. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system.