2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2019 INFINITI QX50

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 presented a more spacious and refined interior compared to its predecessor, offering an additional two inches of ground clearance and 13 more cubic feet of cargo space, totaling 31.4 cubic feet. The rear seats were modular, sliding and reclining to enhance comfort without compromising legroom, even for taller passengers. The interior redesign featured high-quality materials and a new infotainment system, contributing to a quiet cabin environment, aided by a noise-cancelling system. The base "Pure" trim started at $36,550, offering a range of standard features, while the "Luxe" and "Essential" trims added more luxury and technology options, with the top-tier trim priced at $43,350.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue maintained an attractive exterior with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels, though its interior design showed signs of aging. The waterfall control panel and rounded surfaces felt outdated, and the plastic materials were unimpressive. However, the Rogue SL trim provided thoughtful touches like padded center console sides for driver comfort. The test vehicle, equipped with the SL Premium Package, had a sticker price of $34,870, including destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue remained appealing, especially for those prioritizing practicality over modern aesthetics.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a groundbreaking turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable compression, producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Despite the innovative engine, the performance was underwhelming, with a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, slower than the previous V6 model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) struggled to manage the power effectively, leading to a less-than-smooth driving experience, particularly in city conditions. The QX50's fuel efficiency was modest, with EPA estimates of 24 city and 31 highway mpg, and real-world tests barely reaching 24 mpg. The ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering system was a point of contention, offering inconsistent feedback.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, delivered adequate performance for everyday driving. However, it lacked the power needed for more demanding situations like freeway merging or mountain climbing. The CVT managed the power well enough for most scenarios, but the Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving only 24.9 mpg in testing despite an EPA combined estimate of 29 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone, making it more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered a high-quality interior with ample space, but the abundance of technology created a cluttered dashboard. The infotainment system suffered from input delays, particularly in navigation, and the unconventional shifter design posed a potential safety concern. Despite these issues, the QX50 provided a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers, with a focus on luxury materials and finishes.

In the 2020 Nissan Rogue, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller individuals due to limited seat height adjustment. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort and visibility, with features like a panoramic sunroof and rear air conditioning vents enhancing the passenger experience. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage. The Rogue's interior storage options were limited, but the Divide-n-Hide cargo management system added versatility.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 came equipped with advanced technology, particularly in the top-tier Essential trim, which included features like intelligent cruise control and ProPilot assist. However, accessing these features required opting for the more expensive trims, and the infotainment system's performance was disappointing, with slow response times and input errors.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added options like a Bose sound system and NissanConnect Services, which provided remote access and safety features. Despite the impressive list of features, the NissanConnect interface was outdated, with a small touchscreen and slow response times, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50's safety features were limited by trim level, with advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring unavailable on the base model. The vehicle had not been tested by major safety organizations, leaving its safety ratings unknown.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, offering a range of driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning and lane departure warning. Additional options included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less than stellar, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection noted by IIHS.