2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome new styling which gave it a much more technical and SUV-like appearance than its predecessor. Its lower perimeter was wrapped in dark gray plastic cladding, while bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection added an aura of ruggedness, although perhaps too audaciously on the back bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned dimensions lent the Rogue a modern aesthetic appeal. Available in four versions—S, SV, SL, and the new Platinum trim—the vehicle's different trims offered a range of prices and features to suit various preferences. The test vehicle in question was an SL trim with an Almond leather interior, panoramic glass sunroof, and an overall light, roomy atmosphere. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trims, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars contributed to a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan adopted a more conservative yet classy design that was creased, folded, and symmetrical, aligning with Volkswagen's larger Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. The new front styling included a restyled grille carrying the new VW logo and an available illuminated grille bar. New nameplate lettering and redesigned aluminum wheels were additional style updates. With four trims—S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line—the Tiguan's price ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, plus destination charges. The SEL R-Line test car in Atlantic Blue Metallic looked impressive with its machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels and the sporty R-Line trim. Inside, the cabin was adorned with perforated and piped leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and rich metallic accents, though hard plastic in certain areas revealed its mass-market status.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, while solid in many regards, notably required more power. Its direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generated 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which felt merely adequate for everyday driving. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was commendable in its class, designed to simulate traditional gear shifts, and even included paddle shifters for a sportier experience, although they were rarely used.

However, thanks to its available all-wheel drive (AWD), 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and driving modes such as Snow and Off-Road, the Rogue could venture off the beaten path fairly well. Mechanical enhancements resulted in a predictable, smooth, and agile ride, bolstered by a robust architecture comprising 35% high-strength steel. The real improvement came from the new steering system, featuring a quicker ratio and relocated electric assist, yielding a dramatically better steering feel compared to the previous model.

By comparison, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan carried forward its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from previous years, delivering a respectable 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tiguan offered either front-wheel drive or VW’s 4Motion AWD system. Different driving modes made it adaptable, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, plus Offroad modes with the 4Motion system.

The SUV's 7.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities to well-traveled paths, while its ride quality was bolstered by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension. The Tiguan's steering provided clear feedback, typical of German engineering. Unfortunately, turbo lag was noticeable, lagging slightly when acceleration from a stop was required, making the drive feel peppy once the torque fully engaged.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled in providing comfort through its Zero Gravity seat designs, which offered better support and reduced fatigue. Moving up the trim levels featured progressively luxurious seating materials, from cloth in the S trim to premium leather in the Platinum. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear seats were available with higher trims. The triple-zone climate control system allowed rear-seat passengers to adjust their temperature, further enhancing comfort.

The Rogue's rear seats offered improved headroom and legroom, capable of opening to almost a 90-degree angle for easier loading. The cargo space ranged from 31.6 cubic feet to 36.5 cubic feet with the seats in use, expanding to a generous 74.1 cubic feet when they were folded down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was notably spacious, even comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. With FWD models, a standard third-row seat was included, though it was absent in AWD variants. The SEL R-Line model provided both front heated, ventilated leather seats with eight-way power adjustments and rear seats. Visibility was exceptional, complemented by a panoramic glass sunroof brightening the interior.

While the touch controls for the infotainment system were not user-friendly, storage and comfort were well addressed. Cargo capacity of the Tiguan with AWD was impressive, boasting 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet when folded down. These measurements facilitated useful space for luggage and other cargo needs.

In terms of technology, the 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive package. Starting with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, even the S trim included numerous features. Upgraded trims added more amenities such as WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration, as well as larger screens and advanced audio systems. The Platinum trim raised the stakes with wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display.

Conversely, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation across all trims. The more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro, with its 10.25-inch display, was a standout in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, carried over from the previous year, excelled with its interface and connected services, although its natural voice recognition required additional upgrades to function properly. Available Car-Net services, remote starting, navigation, and a premium Fender audio system provided an extra layer of convenience and entertainment.

In terms of safety, the 2021 Nissan Rogue came well-equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, encompassing automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. Notably, adaptive cruise control was omitted from this package in favor of blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included more advanced features such as the ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology, enhancing driving assistance through map data and GPS coordination. Enhanced radar and camera units delivered better accuracy and smoothness in the updated ProPilot Assist system.

For the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, safety was a key focus, integrating standard components such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Significant updates like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist added lanes-centering and attentive features, respectively, facilitating a safer driving experience. The Tiguan's 2021 Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS promised robust safety, likely improved further with the new LEDs and driving aids.