2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class presented a bold, boxy, and tall design that distinguished it from other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with the option of the company's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLB featured a long, flat hood leading to an upright windshield, generously sized side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. Lacking rakish good looks, the GLB focused more on practicality with ample interior volume packaged in a narrow and short body. Features like robust roof rails added to its functional appeal. When painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package along with 20-inch AMG wheels, the test vehicle exuded significant style and attitude. Prices started at $36,600, and the as-tested GLB 250 4Matic came with a window sticker of $55,890, inclusive of diverse options like an adaptive damping suspension and ambient cabin lighting.

Inside, the GLB 250 made drivers feel special, especially with the upgraded dual 10.25-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment. At night, the optional ambient lighting system provided a colorful glow, enhancing the interior's atmosphere. The blend of high style and remarkable simplicity, coupled with quality materials, made the GLB’s interior a delightful space. However, acclimatization was necessary for those new to Mercedes-Benz, primarily due to the placement of the transmission shifter on the steering column. Despite some metallic trim pieces hinting at cost-saving measures for this more affordable Mercedes model, the GLB stood out for its interior design and overall comfort.

On the flip side, the 2021 Nissan Rogue adopted a more rugged and SUV-oriented appearance. It featured handsome new styling with a prominent V-Motion grille, clean LED lighting elements, and bold skid plates. The Rogue's technical and modern aesthetic was enhanced by the optional two-tone paint with a black roof. Available in four trims, the Rogue started at $25,650 and scaled up to the Platinum trim at $35,430, offering various luxury features including semi-aniline quilted leather. The tested Rogue SL with the Premium Package, extra-cost paint, and front-wheel drive totaled $35,195.

The interior of the Rogue SL featured a bright Almond color leather, a panoramic glass sunroof, and abundant soft-touch surfaces, lending a sense of luxury and spaciousness. Controls were arranged logically, and higher trims like the Platinum included ambient lighting and elegant quilted leather seats. Additionally, Nissan's choice to include a CD player and wireless Apple CarPlay indicated a balance between old-school charm and modern technology.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 rpm and 4,000 rpm. This engine enabled the GLB to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Despite this figure, the SUV felt quicker, thanks to the wide torque band and the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The front-wheel drive was standard, but the 4Matic AWD system was available for those seeking additional traction. The GLB also offered an Off-Road driving mode that locked the powertrain in a 50:50 power split to enhance grip.

Equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, the GLB provided a comfortable, soft ride in Comfort mode while transforming into a spirited performer in Sport mode. The SUV’s agile handling and fun driving dynamics were unexpected for its class, although the brakes proved to be a weak point, fading prematurely during enthusiastic drives. The fuel economy of 21.4 mpg was below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, however, struggled with power. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, which was adequate but not exhilarating for a 3,500-pound vehicle. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a good job of managing the torque. Additionally, with available all-wheel drive, up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, Snow and Off-Road driving modes, the Rogue was capable of light adventuring.

During the media program, it was suggested that a more powerful engine might be introduced in future models. Changing the drive mode to Sport made the Rogue more responsive, and a potential hybrid model was hinted at. The tested Rogue SL FWD managed 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 29 mpg. The Rogue featured advanced ride and handling, thanks to a strut front and multi-link rear suspension, as well as features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. The new Vehicle Motion Control enhanced the driving experience by anticipating driving inputs for smoother operations.

Additionally, the new rack-mounted electric assist steering with a quicker ratio significantly improved steering feel, making the Rogue's handling more precise and enjoyable compared to the previous generation.

The interior space of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class was surprisingly roomy, competitively larger even compared to the more expensive Mercedes-Benz GLC. Optional third-row seats, a feature absent in most of Mercedes' lineup except the GLS, added to the versatility. The wide interior dimensions easily accommodated four adults with ample headroom, thanks to the tall seating positions and expansive windows, with an available panoramic glass sunroof enhancing the airiness. The entrance and exit were effortless, and the second-row seats were adjustable for additional cargo or passenger space as required.

The front seats offered comprehensive power adjustments, although heating or ventilation would require an additional cost. The GLB’s cargo space was notable with 22 cubic feet available behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet when folded down, making it a practical choice for those needing substantial cargo capacity.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Rogue aimed for comfort with its Zero Gravity seat designs, which varied by trim from cloth to premium leather. The higher trims included heated elements, although ventilated seats were surprisingly absent. The Rogue provided standard air conditioning with progressively advanced climate control systems in higher trims, and rear-seat headroom and legroom were generous.

The rear doors' nearly 90-degree opening facilitated easy passenger loading, an advantage for installing child safety seats or accommodating more passengers. Cargo space in the Rogue was generous; lower trims offered 31.6 cubic feet, while higher trims with the Divide-N-Hide system provided up to 36.5 cubic feet, with a maximum capacity of 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class boasted an advanced infotainment system, especially with the Premium Package upgrade. The twin 10.25-inch displays under a single glass pane, combined with lush graphics and customizability, delivered a superior user experience. The Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) system featured natural voice recognition, and its accuracy was commendable. The Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented video using a forward-facing camera for real-time directions, useful in urban environments.

The Parking Assistance Package provided a high-definition surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking capabilities, although the GLB's easy maneuverability often made these features redundant. The Burmester premium sound system, with its audio quality and stylish aluminum speaker grilles, was a highlight.

For the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the infotainment setup was competitive. The base S trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, which included remote engine starting and vehicle diagnostics, along with WiFi hotspot and virtual assistants Alexa and Google. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim featured a larger 9-inch screen, enhanced voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system, elevating the entertainment experience. This setup was user-friendly despite some interface design shortcomings, such as small knobs and buttons.

The Platinum trim also included advanced tech features like wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive technology package that was both functional and sophisticated.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class came well-equipped with safety features. Standard offerings included a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and the Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering, and an emergency stop system. Although crash-test ratings were unavailable, the suite of safety features provided confidence and comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue emphasized safety, crucial for family-oriented buyers. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite was standard, comprising features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Notably, it included blind-spot warning, a vital addition often missing at base levels. The Rogue also included ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and rear-seat reminder. Platinum trim added a front center airbag.

The ProPilot Assist system, included in the SV trim and above, featured adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, integrating navigation data for speed adjustments, was available in higher trims. This system showed significant improvements in accuracy and responsiveness.