2025 Nissan Rogue vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is one of the main players in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Ever since the first Rogue went on sale for the 2008 model year, Nissan has made sure to constantly update and improve what’s now the automaker’s best-selling model in North America.

For the 2025 model year, the Rogue gets a little off-road bravado added to its winning recipe. The Rogue Rock Creek trim is equipped with adventure gear like all-terrain tires, a tubular roof rack, a surround-view camera system, and hill descent control. It also has trim-specific exterior design touches like red trim pieces on the alloy wheels and front grille and “Rock Creek” badges on the front seats. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.1 highway driving assist system is also newly available on the Rogue.

Verdict: With its reasonable price tag and impressive array of comfort features and tech touches, the Rogue is aimed right at the heart of the compact SUV segment. This year’s improvements add a little more polish to the Rogue, particularly with the outdoorsy Rock Creek model and latest generation of Nissan’s hands-free highway driving technology. This is an extremely well-rounded choice, though not everything is perfect.

Unless buyers want a luxury model, the herd of midsize two-row crossovers is thinning as buyers gravitate to three-rows. Like the Mazda CX-70 and Honda Passport, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row version of a more popular three-row crossover. However, its lowered roof and unique tail make it feel like a distinctive standalone model akin to the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer. Last refreshed for the 2024 model year, the Atlas Cross Sport is essentially unchanged for 2026 ahead of the arrival of a redesigned model for 2027.

Verdict: The Atlas Cross Sport is a great value and well made, even if it's not enjoyable to drive.