2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Cadillac XT4

Cadillac employed a “Y” trim level strategy for the 2020 XT4, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trim. The test vehicle featured Premium Luxury trim, front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and several option packages, totaling $45,660 including destination charges. Visually, the XT4 was one of the most appealing Cadillac crossovers, with crisp, tailored styling and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was pleasant, using competitive quality materials, though some elements like the plain black trim around the power window controls were less impressive.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, with a single engine and transmission combination and a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The test car came with SL trim, front-drive, the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 including destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch, but overall, the Rogue's interior felt dated.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available from 1,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front or all four wheels, with the EPA rating the FWD XT4 at 26 mpg. The test vehicle returned 24.8 mpg. The XT4's lively driving character was attributed to its fat band of torque, though front-wheel slip and torque steer were issues with FWD. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts but was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode, a problem that persisted, albeit less frequently, in Sport mode. The XT4's interior needed better isolation from engine and road noise, and the ride and handling were mixed, with the standard suspension struggling with speed humps and smaller bumps. The oversized wheels offered impressive grip, and the brakes performed well, making the XT4 fun to drive on smooth pavement.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite a Sport driving mode, the Rogue was not sporty, and the powertrain was merely adequate for a vehicle weighing up to 3,671 pounds. The CVT did a good job of making the most of the power, but the Rogue disappointed when accelerating onto freeways, passing slower vehicles, or climbing mountain grades. The EPA rated the FWD Rogue at 29 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle managed only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not fun to drive. The electrically assisted steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The rear passenger compartment felt roomier than many small SUVs, though the rear seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, rapidly cooling the interior during a Southern California heatwave. The climate controls were elegantly arranged, and the cabin offered ample storage space, including umbrella holders and an innovative angled wireless smartphone charger. However, the XT4's cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. A hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's seats were somewhat undersized examples of Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs, with Quick Comfort heating available. The driver's seat adjustment was limited, making it difficult for taller drivers to find a comfortable position. The rear seats were more comfortable, with a high cushion, proper backrest angle, and excellent view, enhanced by the available panoramic glass sunroof. Rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports were appreciated by passengers. In-cabin storage was lacking, with only the glove compartment offering significant space. However, the Rogue excelled in cargo volume, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was much easier to use than previous versions. The test vehicle included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, Cadillac Connected Access services, and near-field communication pairing to Bluetooth for two devices. The 8-inch display was a touchscreen, with intuitive controls on the center console and steering wheel, and a voice-recognition system. However, the screen needed to be larger, and the climate system should be integrated into the voice-recognition system. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. The test car did not include a head-up display or a rear camera mirror.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. Subscription-based NissanConnect Services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, a car finder function, automatic collision notification, emergency SOS calling, and safe teen driver settings. However, the NissanConnect interface used a 7-inch touchscreen with a recessed display that looked outdated. The system was slow to respond to inputs, and the voice-recognition technology was subpar, diminishing the Rogue's tech appeal.

For 2020, the Cadillac XT4 added forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat system to its standard equipment. These features joined a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver parental report card technology, and two years of automatic collision notification and emergency assistance service. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a following-distance indicator. Adaptive cruise control was available in the Driver Assist Package, along with high-speed automatic emergency braking and reverse automatic braking. The XT4 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for moderate-overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 collection as standard, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking for the front and rear, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and a Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. However, ProPilot Assist felt dated compared to newer systems from competitors. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for driver protection in a frontal-impact collision. The IIHS rated the Rogue poorly for headlights and front-passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.