Starting at
Starting at
201 | Horsepower (hp) | 184 |
8 | Touchscreen (in.) | 6.5 |
30/37 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG) | 24/31 |
There is no shortage of options when it comes to exploring the SUV market. It continues to grow and evolve; options seem to be expanding rapidly, as do the categories within that market. Whether you are interested in a full-sized SUV capable of hauling the whole gang or a small SUV for the daily commute, you will surely find one tailored to your unique needs. But with so many options, how can you choose the perfect model? For instance, look at the 2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 VW Tiguan; both stand out midsize SUVs in their class and are somehow quite different.
The task of choosing your next vehicle can become daunting when there are so many options, and many of those share similar features. The 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan compete in the midsize category, each with its own turbocharged engine. However, the Nissan features a VC-Turbo engine, which optimizes power based on driving conditions. On the other hand, the Volkswagen may feature a turbo, but it lacks the sophisticated variable compression technology that resides under the hood of the Rogue.
The Nissan Rogue is available in five trim levels, including the special Midnight Edition. You can get the Nissan Rogue in the base S trim, along with the SV, SL, and Platinum, with the Platinum offering the most luxuries. The Tiguan is available in four trim levels, starting with the base S, then the SE, SE R-Line Black, and then the SEL R-Line trim. The R-Line Black is a special appearance package trim for the Volkswagen Tiguan line-up.
Both models are relatively similar regarding power and torque, with the Nissan Rogue edging out the Tiguan; however, it is in fuel efficiency where the Rogue truly stands out, getting an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. When it comes to SUVs, fuel efficiency can be a make-it-or-break-it category, as can safety. The Nissan Rogue soars in this area as well, with an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Rogue was also named a 2023 top-safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, whereas the Tiguan holds a win as a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022.
It can be difficult to compare vehicles of this sort, especially when both models offer similar features like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and smartphone connectivity; however, when one model tends to offer more features as standard across the board, it can be easier to see which one comes out on top. In the end, the 2023 Nissan Rogue reigns supreme in this 2023 match-up. Let's take a closer look at what makes this midsize SUV so special.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a 1.5-liter variable compression turbocharged engine. This engine is the first of its kind and offers benefits that other turbocharged engines can’t. Thanks to a unique multi-link system, the VC-Turbo changes the compression ratio to fit load demand and speed. When accelerating, the compression ratio drops, resulting in a power boost that produces 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. The compression ratio rises when the vehicle begins to slow down, contributing to the Rogue’s improved fuel efficiency.
The VC-Turbo is paired with Nissan’s impressive Xtronic CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission. The Xtronic CVT is unlike a traditional transmission that moves through specific gears. Instead, the CVT uses stepless gear shifting, providing a completely smooth ride without any jerking. The result is an exciting driving experience that allows quick shifting. Plus, the Xtronic CVT also features a manual mode for drivers who want to be in complete control.
Another benefit of this transmission type is that fuel efficiency is further improved due to the wider range of gears. Since the CVT can utilize a wider ratio of gears, higher gears can be used for cruising speeds. The more gears that can be accessed, the closer the engine can operate to its ideal range, which means less strain on the engine and improved fuel efficiency.
All five trim options are available as either front-wheel drive or can be equipped with Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, making it easier to conquer whatever lies on the road ahead. If the road gets slippery or conditions turn rough, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive transfers power to the rear wheels to improve traction and keep you moving forward. When it's smooth sailing, switch to front-wheel drive for even greater fuel efficiency.
Customize every drive by selecting from assorted drive modes designed to get the most out of your Rogue. For everyday driving, choose from Auto Mode for the perfect blend of efficiency and performance, or switch to Eco Mode to stretch fuel economy. For those times you just have to let loose, try Sport Mode for a more engaging experience. For all-wheel drive models, pick from two additional drive modes for adverse terrain and conditions. Snow Mode enhances traction for slippery roads, and Off-Road Mode is ideal for terrains such as sand or gravel.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan features five trim options, each equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The four-cylinder inline engine produces 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The use of a turbocharged engine results in a smaller engine that can produce more power, along with improved fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission for responsive handling. The Tiguan also features a manual Tiptronic shift mode that enables the driver to take shifting into their own hands.
Each trim comes standard as front-wheel drive or with optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Like other all-wheel drive systems, 4MOTION sends power to the rear wheels when needed to improve traction and control. Those vehicles equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive have four available all-wheel drive modes.
The first drive mode is On-Road Mode which is ideal for normal driving circumstances. Within this mode are four settings that provide performance and fuel efficiency. For slippery conditions, Snow Mode controls where the vehicle sits on the powerband to prevent wheel slippage. Off-Road Mode improves traction control and initiates Hill Descent Control when needed. The last setting is Off-Road Custom Mode which lets the driver manipulate specific settings to optimize off-road performance.
At first glance, it would appear that both models are fairly equal. Both the Nissan Rogue and the Volkswagen Tiguan offer turbocharged engines that produce similar torque and horsepower, with the Rogue offering slightly more in each category. Both come standard in front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive systems that also introduce unique drive modes. However, this is where the similarities end, and the Rogue begins to take the lead.
Where the Tiguan has an eight-speed transmission, the Rogue offers a continuously variable transmission, and where the Tiguan has a typical turbo, the Rogue features a variable compression turbo. These differences allow the Nissan Rogue to utilize a broader range of the power band and do so with greater efficiency than the Tiguan. This efficiency applies to not only fuel consumption but also performance which is why we see the Rogue producing more power than the Tiguan.
Regarding fuel consumption, the Rogue offers significantly better fuel efficiency than the Tiguan. The Tiguan front-wheel drive option gets 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, while the all-wheel drive option drops to 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The Rogue sees 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway for the front-wheel drive option and 28 MPG in the city, and 35 MPG on the highway for all-wheel drive. This difference is enough to propel the Rogue ahead of the Tiguan without taking into consideration the Rogue’s other leading attributes. In terms of performance, the 2023 Nissan Rogue comes out on top.
Vehicle safety should always be a priority, and with the 2023 Nissan Rogue, safety is at the top of the list of standout features. Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Nissan Rogue is equipped with everything you need to be safe on the road. It starts with the standard Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced safety and driver assist features that come equipped on every trim of the 2023 Nissan Rogue.
One standard feature of the Safety Shield 360 suite is High Beam Assist. This safety feature is just as much for others on the road as it is for you behind the wheel. High Beam Assist detects when there is an oncoming vehicle and can turn off the vehicle’s high beams. After the vehicle has safely passed, the Rogue’s safety system turns the high beams back on, maximizing visibility for you and oncoming traffic.
The Rogue also features Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. The Automatic Emergency Braking aspect of the feature monitors the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, alerting you to slow down if you are going too fast or getting too close. If a potential collision is detected, the system can initiate braking to lessen impact damage. Pedestrian Detection does exactly that, as it detects anybody walking or cycling in front of the vehicle, and with assistance from the Automatic Emergency Braking function, it can engage the brakes, stopping your vehicle if needed.
Safety Shield 360 also monitors the sides and rear of the vehicle, taking action when needed. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking monitor the area behind the vehicle for obstacles and can engage the brakes to mitigate the impact. Blind Spot Warning monitors your blind spot for you and issues an alert if a vehicle is detected. Meanwhile, Lane Departure Warning makes sure you only change lanes when intended. If it senses you are drifting out of your lane, it will alert you accordingly.
Additionally, available features such as Rogue Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Lane Intervention provide a smart and effective safety advantage over many of the Rogue’s competitors. Rogue ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link is another available feature that behaves like a more advanced adaptive cruise control by mapping out the road ahead, adjusting speed to go with the flow of traffic, and more. Rogue ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link can also help keep your vehicle within its lane and adjust to posted speed limits.
IQ.DRIVE is the Tiguan’s suite of driver assistance and safety features that make staying safe on the road easy and convenient. The available IQ.DRIVE features Active Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, Rear Assist, Lane Assist, and Front Assist, features similar to that of the Rogue. These safety features monitor the areas around the vehicle and alert you to potential collisions, and can engage the brakes when needed. IQ.DRIVE also offers Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist. Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts your speed to match traffic flow, and Travel Assist can aid with steering, creating a semi-automated driving experience.
The Tiguan also features an available camera system with a rear view and area view, allowing you to see what is around your vehicle and giving you time to react. The camera also works to aid with parking, along with Park Distance Control and Park Assist. Audible alerts let you know if you are too close to other vehicles when parking, while Park Assist can determine if your Tiguan will fit into a parking space. Other available features of the Tiguan are Light Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
Many vehicles today share similar safety features, as seen here with the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Both vehicles have a suite of safety features, including technologies that monitor rear traffic, blind spots, and more. However, one noticeable difference is that while the Safety Suite 360 is standard on all trims of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, the same does not go for the Tiguan. For the Volkswagen Tiguan, IQ.DRIVE is only standard on select trims. Other features beyond the safety suites of each vehicle that are standard across the board for the Rogue are only standard on certain trims for the Tiguan.
Another benefit of the Nissan Rogue is that it features available front, side, and rear sensors, as well as standard Intelligent Driver Alertness. The latter is a feature that monitors driving patterns to determine if the driver is getting distracted or tired and will issue a warning. Both of these features are specific to the Rogue and not offered on the Tiguan.
So, although both vehicles share many of the same safety and driver assistance features, the Rogue features more of them as standard on all trim levels, as well as features exclusive to the Rogue and not the Tiguan. In the end, the 2023 Nissan Rogue has more to offer when it comes to safety and convenience.
The sleek and stylish interior of the 2023 Nissan Rogue is available in several upholstery finishes ranging from premium soft cloth to quilted leather. Many trims feature power-adjustable driver seats with lumbar support and heated front seats. Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control comes standard on the SV, SL, Platinum, and Midnight Edition trims, with available Tri-Zone Control for select trims.
An 8-inch color display allows access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is standard across the trims, with the exception of the Platinum trim, which features a 9-inch display. The Platinum trim also features a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. All trims come standard with features such as Siri Eyes Free and Voice Recognition. Bluetooth hands-free phone system is another standard across the board, along with streaming audio via Bluetooth.
Other available features include a head-up display for safety and convenience, a customizable digital instrument cluster, and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices. Many trims also come standard with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, making connecting to your devices easier than ever. The Platinum tier also comes standard with Nissan Door to Door Navigation and Amazon Alexa Built-In.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offers several interior finishes that include cloth, leatherette, and leather. Heated front seats come standard on many of the Tiguan trims and feature power adjustable functions with lumbar. Most of the Tiguan’s trims come standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, with the exception of the base trim, which is manual.
The base trim uses a 6.5-inch touchscreen for access to radio options, while the remaining trims offer an 8-inch touchscreen display. All trims offer App-Connect integration, allowing access to features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For music, the top trim comes equipped with a Fender premium audio system. All trims also come with the ability to connect to Car-Net, which is a subscription service that allows you to connect to the Tiguan via your smartphone for features like remote starting and the ability to lock and unlock the doors.
When it comes to interior comfort and luxuries, the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offer similar amenities. The materials used in both vehicle options include cloth, faux leather, and genuine leather, depending on the trim. They both offer a dual-zone climate control system, premium sound systems with the top trim, and connectivity to features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, both vehicles are not equal when it comes to interior comforts.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue features an 8-inch display across the board, with a 9-inch display for the top trim. In comparison, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a smaller display and only reaches an 8-inch size when considering the top trim. Other features, such as speed-sensitive volume control, voice recognition, and Siri Eyes Free, come standard across the board on the Rogue but don't seem to be available at all on the Tiguan. Ultimately, the 2023 Nissan Rogue offers just a bit more than the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan when it comes to available technology.