2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV that offered a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model. The Taos featured a design that aligned with Volkswagen's existing SUV lineup, with notable elements like 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint enhancing its visual appeal. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, which detracted from the overall quality feel, despite the presence of soft-touch materials in key areas.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design that shared elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's interior was noted for its sophisticated, layered dashboard design and practical storage solutions, including a spacious centre console and multiple charging ports. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the second row offered ample legroom. The Rogue's fit and finish were praised, particularly in the top-tier Platinum model, which featured high-quality materials and a refined cabin atmosphere.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine delivered adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could frustrate drivers. The Taos offered a smooth ride with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its limited ground clearance of 16.2 centimetres restricted its off-road capabilities. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average consumption of 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant performance boost over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for improved efficiency and responsiveness. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wide range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and passing power. The chassis and suspension delivered a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering provided good feedback. Fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with the Highline trim offering heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, while cargo space varied depending on the drive system. The front-wheel-drive model offered 790 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,866 litres with the seats folded, while the 4Motion model had slightly less capacity.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options, with numerous compartments for personal items and multiple charging ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, and the cargo area offered up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The Rogue's practical design made it a versatile choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response times. The Highline trim included a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as a positive change.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive technology package, 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, a hands-on driver-assist system, was available and integrated with the navigation system for enhanced functionality. The Intelligent Key system allowed for convenient keyless entry on all doors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required additional spending to access popular safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning available on the Comfortline grade and up. The Highline grade offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue also featured ten airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.