2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried forward the updates from its 2021 model with only minor modifications. It was available in four trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Execline trim, which was the top of the line, featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. The Atlas had a big and boxy design, which was appealing, but the wheel choices often failed to complement its bold styling. Inside, the Atlas offered a simple yet premium design, though the use of low-cost materials and hard plastics was a drawback, especially for a vehicle nearing a $60,000 price tag.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a conservative design approach, ensuring it appealed to a broad audience. It featured proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing, making it an attractive choice for many. The Rogue was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding destination charges. The Platinum trim offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium upgrades. The interior was well-designed, with soft-touch materials and quality controls, although some might find the engine's character and noise levels less refined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine required premium fuel to achieve these outputs and had a towing capacity of 907 kg. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. Despite its power, 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 mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces and noticeable body float on undulating roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue introduced a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT and offered AWD as an option. The Rogue's performance was responsive in urban settings, but it lacked passing power on highways. The engine's character and noise might not appeal to everyone, and its fuel economy fell short of expectations at 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride quality was generally composed, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the tires provided modest grip.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with the seats folded. However, many storage areas were unlined, leading to unwanted noise from items placed within them.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, comfortably seating four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, but the rear seat comfort was lacking due to low-mounted cushions. The Rogue offered 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the seats folded, and included the Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a standard Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system on the Execline trim. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome controls.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had a 9-inch display, a Bose audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The voice recognition system struggled with certain commands, and the infotainment system lacked the latest features found in newer models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite 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 Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted an extensive list of safety features, including Safety Shield 360, which encompassed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.