2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, featuring a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added to its appeal. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted clean lines and balanced proportions, presenting a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. This second-generation model corrected the size issues of its predecessor, offering a long-wheelbase version that made it nearly as spacious inside as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The Tiguan's upsizing resulted in a roomy interior, accommodating four people comfortably, with the option to carry five or expand passenger capacity to seven with a small third-row seat. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, though the engine start button's placement on the center console was unusual. Shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a flush touchscreen infotainment system added a touch of sophistication, though the hard plastic surfaces and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a single powertrain: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's performance was merely adequate. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was lackluster, with lifeless steering, poor suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion AWD system was optional on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, making the Tiguan feel breathless during passing and freeway merging. The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, but testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg for the AWD model. Despite the powertrain's shortcomings, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, refined braking, and nimble handling. However, the suspension's lack of isolation over sharp bumps and railroad tracks was a drawback. The Tiguan excelled in highway comfort, providing a quiet and composed ride.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior comfort was compromised for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and legroom. The seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating, were undersized. Rear passengers fared better, enjoying high seat cushions, excellent thigh support, and a panoramic sunroof. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, underfloor storage compartments, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors, tall seating hip points, and a wide range of front seat adjustments. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control added to the comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and soft front seatback material. The panoramic sunroof was a welcome feature, though storage space was limited. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and usefully shaped cargo area, with deep wells for carrying items, provided versatility. Cargo volume ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of the third-row seat, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Car-Net connected services offered remote engine starting, automatic crash notification, and Family Guardian settings. While the MIB3 system was an improvement, it had quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. The SEL Premium R-Line's nine-speaker Fender audio system was a better option. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims also featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert, Tire Fill Alert, a surround-view camera, and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive collection, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was standard from the SE trim, with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist added on the SEL, and automatic high-beam headlights on the SEL Premium R-Line. The Tiguan's adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were effective but had some inconsistencies. The parking sensors and reversing camera were useful, with a surround-view camera available on the SEL Premium R-Line. Car-Net connected services provided additional safety features. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, though the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.