2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a variety of aluminum wheel designs. The attention to balance, proportion, and detail was evident, making it a visually appealing choice. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured unique 20-inch wheels, a performance vented hood, and special leather seats, adding to its upscale appearance. However, the interior was marred by hard plastic panels, a squeaky door panel, and a loose-feeling center console, which detracted from the overall build quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a simple yet attractive design. The bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells gave it a distinctive look, especially with the SL trim's 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Rogue's age showed through its older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. However, thoughtful touches like padded center console sides added comfort. Despite its dated interior, the Rogue remained an appealing choice for those seeking a straightforward and functional design.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there were options like the 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, the 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, and the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The Limited X trim featured the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system, providing excellent off-road capabilities. However, the added weight and driveline friction affected fuel economy, with real-world testing showing an average of 18.3 mpg. On-road, the Grand Cherokee delivered robust acceleration and better-than-expected handling, though brake performance could be an issue during long descents.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a CVT. While adequate for most driving situations, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during freeway merging or passing. The EPA estimated 29 mpg for FWD versions, but real-world testing showed a lower 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone, making it less enjoyable to drive.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a midsize SUV, provided ample space for a family. The power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, though rear passengers might find the hard plastic front-seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage space was limited, with small door-panel bins and a center console storage bin. Cargo space was also on the smaller side, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a more spacious interior, especially for rear passengers. The back seat provided excellent thigh support and a proper backrest angle, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the view. However, front-seat comfort was compromised for taller drivers due to limited seat height adjustment. In-cabin storage was lacking, but the Rogue excelled in cargo space, offering 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Uconnect system was praised for its improved graphics and faster response. Pairing devices via Bluetooth was seamless, and the voice recognition system worked well. The test vehicle's 9-speaker Alpine audio system provided good sound quality, with higher trims offering a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. NissanConnect Services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was dated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating from the IIHS for small-overlap frontal-impact protection and a Poor rating for front-passenger protection. The 3-star rollover resistance rating further highlighted its safety shortcomings.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert added convenience. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were also lacking, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.