2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum trim boasted a 19-inch machined-finish look and additional black exterior trim, including an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown color option.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan marked the beginning of its third generation with a complete redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights connected by a plastic trim element, reminiscent of the ID.4 EV. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear replaced conventional taillights with a single bar spanning the liftgate, echoing the front's illuminated logo and bar. Inside, the Tiguan embraced a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. Materials quality was average, with soft-touch materials in key areas and durable plastics in the rear seats.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, capable of varying its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. It delivered 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, and the suspension felt firmer than expected, affecting ride quality. The Rogue was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), but it wasn't particularly sporty or agile.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with FWD, while AWD was available on all models and standard on the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The cabin was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise, providing a comfortable driving experience. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering increased output for spirited drivers.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with slight differences in legroom compared to rivals. It provided 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The center console featured a pass-through space and a storage tray, though accessing the latter was somewhat awkward.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior saw improvements with the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, reverting to traditional controls on the steering wheel. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, and the center console offered ample storage with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new design appeared smaller than the previous generation. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps. The system provided a five-year free connectivity period, with additional data plans required for third-party apps. The Rogue also included multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan Connect Services extended its free trial period to three years, offering remote features via a smartphone app.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a standard digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger. The infotainment system included capacitive-touch sliders, but a new volume knob improved usability. The Tiguan introduced Atmospheres, a feature combining ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the top trim, along with VW's Car-Net system for remote monitoring and control.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and rear automatic emergency braking. ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system, was available on higher trims, offering automated lane centering and navigation-based speed adjustments.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The Emergency Assist system could slow the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, traffic sign reader, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned well during testing, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues.