2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile compared to the traditional Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 predecessor, boasting high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that made occupants feel enveloped rather than perched on top.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a simpler design. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL trim, with 19-inch aluminum wheels, added to its appeal. However, the interior revealed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's center console was padded for comfort, but overall, the interior lacked the modern, angular motifs seen in newer models. While the Rogue's design was functional, it didn't match the luxury and sophistication of the Velar.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive power, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined feel, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with up to 380 hp, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar lacked a low range for serious off-roading.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, offered a single engine and transmission combination: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled during acceleration, especially when merging onto highways or climbing steep grades. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg for front-wheel-drive models, but real-world testing yielded 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 driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone, making it more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar didn't offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The cockpit-like front seating area added to the cramped feeling, although the tall center console was easily accessible. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a more comfortable experience for rear-seat passengers, with high seat cushions providing excellent thigh support and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the view, making the rear seats a preferred location for passengers. However, the front seats, despite being part of Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were undersized and lacked adjustability for taller drivers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the Rogue excelled in cargo space, offering 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage compartments. The standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system added to its practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The upper screen managed smartphone, navigation, and media, while the lower screen controlled vehicle settings and climate. While the system boasted high-quality graphics, its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, all contributing to the Velar's minimalist cabin design.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant as standard. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services, which offered features like remote engine start and emergency SOS calling. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface felt outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. However, Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only basic lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, came with the standard Safety Shield 360 collection, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Additional features like Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert added to its safety credentials. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and issues with headlight performance and front-passenger protection in IIHS testing.