2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango maintained its styling from a 2014 update. Drawing on a design rooted in a decade-old platform, the Durango carried unmistakable cues from the Charger muscle sedan, especially evident before the Charger's 2015 redesign. Its straightforward cabin design shared a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but stretched its wheelbase and overall length. However, the Durango's interior lacked the significant updates seen in the Jeep, resulting in a dated and tired feeling that begged for a refresh.

Dodge had plans for the 2021 model year, bringing a more aggressive exterior and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango came in SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT trims, each with varying degrees of features from basic 18-inch wheels and three-zone climate control in the SXT to the more luxurious Citadel with second-row captain's chairs and premium leather. The top-of-the-line SRT trim featured a unique look with aggressive styling, including 20-inch black wheels and the option for eye-catching red leather performance seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome new styling that looked more like an SUV than a car. With a technical appearance highlighted by dark gray plastic cladding and bold simulated skid plates, the Rogue conveyed the right amount of ruggedness. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned lines gave the new Rogue a modern aesthetic, enhanced by optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment.

Available in S, SV, SL, and new-for-2021 Platinum trims, the Rogue offered a range of amenities from cloth upholstery in the S trim to quilted semi-aniline leather in the top-end Platinum. With aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, the Rogue's look was fresh and up-to-date.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines. The SXT, GT, and Citadel trims came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a robust 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivering 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with this engine also available as an option on the Citadel. The top-spec SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 (branded as "392" for its displacement in cubic inches) pushing out a hefty 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines routed power through an 8-speed automatic transmission with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD).

The V6 offered decent power, ideal for family haulers like the Toyota Highlander or Volkswagen Atlas. The R/T's 5.7-liter V8 provided confident acceleration, making the Citadel a near-luxury SUV when selected. The SRT, however, was a performance beast with car-like handling and impressive acceleration capabilities. The SRT's performance-tuned suspension, Brembo performance brakes, and Dodge SRT performance pages on the 8.4-inch touchscreen for detailed drive customization added to its dynamic prowess.

On the other hand, the 2021 Nissan Rogue needed more power. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, it came with a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a decent job, though it left room for improvement in energetic driving scenarios. Despite being well-programmed, the CVT lacked the excitement needed for adventurous drives.

The Rogue did shine with available AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, making it more competent off the beaten path. Those seeking a more sprightly Rogue awaited the potential arrival of a turbocharged version, perhaps the same one from the Altima sedan and Infiniti QX50—a variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Despite the Rogue's current power constraints, it achieved an EPA rating of 27.5 mpg on varied road conditions with the FWD SL trim.

Nissan's expertise in ride and handling shone through with a new, more robust architecture comprising 35% high-strength steel, a strut front, and multi-link rear suspension. Active ride enhancements, such as Intelligent Trace Control and Vehicle Motion Control, ensured the Rogue felt smooth and athletic, though it could use more power for spirited drives.

For the 2020 Dodge Durango, cargo space was a strong point. With 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.7 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down, it held its own against competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The VW Atlas surpassed the Durango with 96.8 cubic feet, but the Durango didn't disappoint for practical space. Though not ideally placed, the power rear hatch button, towing capacities of 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, and configurable second-row seating added to the functionality.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue improved on its predecessor with a more spacious interior. It provided 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the S and SV trims, increasing to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims equipped with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. With the rear seats folded, it maxed out at 74.1 cubic feet, one of the largest in its class. Other enhancements included nearly 90-degree opening rear doors for easy ingress and egress and additional comfort features like Zero Gravity seats in various upholsteries and trims.

Nissan succeeded in noise reduction with aerodynamic improvements, acoustic front glass, and thicker dashboard insulation, making the Rogue's interior quieter and more pleasant. Though lacking ventilated seat options, the Rogue's climate control features and rear-passenger amenities, such as sunshades and multiple climate zones, added to its family appeal.

In terms of technology, the 2020 Dodge Durango offered Uconnect infotainment with either a 7-inch or optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. With an intuitive layout, easy navigation, and simple redundancy in controls, Uconnect excelled in user-friendliness. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as optional navigation and premium audio systems on higher trims, added to its tech-savvy reputation.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue matched and even surpassed these features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base S trim, including Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. As you climbed the trim levels, the Rogue added NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspots, and advanced integrations like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The SL Premium and Platinum trims boasted a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door navigation, and a Bose premium audio system, ensuring a tech-rich experience.

Exclusive to Platinum, the Rogue featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display, further enhancing its tech appeal.

Safety-wise, the 2020 Dodge Durango included a range of front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. However, advanced driver-assistance features were mostly optional, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. In crash tests, the Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, indicating moderate to good safety performance.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled in safety features. Every Rogue came with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Additional safety measures included ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims featured advanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology, enhancing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, promising a safer journey for all occupants.