2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics, featuring well-proportioned and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, included a Premium package and additional features like all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and diamond-pattern leather seats, pushing the MSRP to $43,100. Despite its high price, the Rogue Platinum offered a luxurious feel with soft-touch materials and quality controls, making it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following updates in 2022, remained largely unchanged but offered a complimentary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure plan. Available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, the Tiguan's prices ranged from $26,950 to $37,680, plus a destination charge. Our test vehicle, the SEL R-Line, had an MSRP of $38,975 and featured Atlantic Blue paint with Storm Gray leather interior. The Tiguan's design was conservative yet gracefully aging, with sporty 20-inch wheels and adaptive front lighting. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality materials and a panoramic sunroof, though some controls were criticized for their usability.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a CVT and offered front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue provided Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the new powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked highway passing power and had a unique engine note and vibration. The EPA estimated 31 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's suspension and ride quality were generally good, though steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4Motion AWD available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD and various driving modes, including Onroad, Snow, and Offroad. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but lacked passing power, and the transmission had delayed downshifts. It averaged 22.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 24 mpg. The Tiguan's ride and handling were praised for stability and predictability, though road noise and a numb brake pedal were noted.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to midsize cars, with easy entry and exit, good visibility, and a spacious cargo area. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and uncomfortable pleats. The Rogue provided 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage was plentiful but unlined, leading to potential noise.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with a roomy back seat and large rear door openings. The SEL R-Line trim had comfortable leather front seats with heating and ventilation, though the dashboard controls were criticized for usability. The Tiguan's cargo area was spacious, offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The AWD version lacked a third-row seat, maximizing cargo capacity.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had a 9-inch screen, a Bose audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. However, the Alexa Built-in system was unreliable, and voice recognition struggled with basic commands. The Rogue's technology was functional but in need of an update.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Fender sound system, and Car-Net connected services. However, the interface was criticized for its complexity and touch-sensitive controls, which could be distracting. The voice-recognition system was also unreliable, often lacking a data connection.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some lower scores in specific tests.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and non-intrusive. However, NHTSA testing was incomplete, and the IIHS rating did not apply for 2023.