2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, offering a refreshed look across its Canadian trim levels: S, SV Moonroof, SV Premium, SL, and Platinum. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim, including an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with a new Chestnut brown colour and quilted stitching, contributing to an upscale cabin experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with the most standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger version, offered a more rakish design but was otherwise similar to the three-row Atlas. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels with a machined finish. The interior boasted diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. Despite its premium look, the Atlas's touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially in colder conditions.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, which allowed it to vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. With 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, the Rogue's engine outperformed many competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, and the suspension felt firmer than expected, affecting ride quality. Despite its impressive engine performance, the Rogue's overall driving experience was less engaging, though it remained quiet on the road.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, the engine was refined and similar to the base engine in the Audi Q7. The Atlas's engine provided a satisfying driving experience, especially when utilizing the generous torque curve and Sport mode. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas's handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with slight differences in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue's cargo space was slightly less than the CR-V and Tucson but more than the Subaru Forester, with a maximum of 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the Rogue featured a power liftgate and motion-activated liftgate on higher trims. The centre console provided additional storage options, though accessing the floor-level tray was somewhat awkward.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt slightly stiff. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a proper backrest angle. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, and the bench provided adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with the second-row folded. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue also included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims, with an extended free trial period for Nissan Connect Services.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked traditional knobs and buttons, relying on touch-sensing controls for temperature and volume. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making it difficult to tune the radio or access navigation. However, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, with a conversational digital voice assistant and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system's user experience was marred by glitches and a lack of intuitive controls.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety scores from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in various crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver assistance systems, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also came with adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, offering automatic crash notification and emergency assistance. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."