2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was available in three trims: S, SV, and SL, with a straightforward setup that offered front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as options. Our test vehicle sported the SL trim, a premium package, front-drive, and a handful of accessories, bringing the total cost to $34,870, including destination charges.

At a glance, the Rogue’s aesthetic was pleasing yet showed signs of aging. It featured a prominent V-Motion grille and assertive fender swells, attractive yet slightly overdone. The SL trim’s 19-inch aluminum wheels added a touch of sophistication. However, the cabin design revealed the SUV’s age more starkly. Interior features included a waterfall control panel and rounded forms that seemed outdated next to the newer, angular trends in automotive design. The quality of plastic surfaces was also less than impressive. Yet, the Rogue SL offered thoughtful touches like padded sides on the center console for driver comfort.

Conversely, the 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a stylish yet not overly attention-grabbing SUV. It maintained a balanced appearance that neither embarrassed nor overly impressed in social settings. Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights added both functionality and an upscale look. Five LED elements per side were neatly arranged in a horizontal housing, enhancing the vehicle’s expressive face centered by a trapezoidal grille.

The MDX’s exterior was sleek and chiseled with flawless paint and chrome finishes. Inside, the cabin radiated modern simplicity with fewer frills compared to many luxury interiors. Highlighted by the twin infotainment screens, the center stack offered a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an ODMD touchscreen for other functions, surrounded by three rows of buttons and a command wheel. Superior materials and excellent fit and finish contributed to a solid, well-built feel for the MDX’s interior.

Nissan equipped the 2020 Rogue with a single powertrain: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s performance was adequate but unremarkable. The engine and transmission combination struggled during acceleration, especially when merging onto freeways, overtaking vehicles, or climbing grades. Despite a Sport mode, the Rogue failed to offer a sporty driving experience.

Fuel economy was another letdown. The EPA promised a combined rating of 29 mpg for FWD models, but real-world testing resulted in just 24.9 mpg. While the Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control systems enhanced cornering and ride smoothness, the Rogue’s driving dynamics remained uninspiring, marred by heavy and lifeless steering and CVT drone.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX provided two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid variant with a combined system output of 321 horsepower from a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors. We tested the gasoline model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

The MDX delivered impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially in SH-AWD models, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This technology redirected power to the outside wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in precision and overall handling. The MDX smoothly maneuvered through turns without drama or loss of grip, showcasing superior cornering stability and agility. The independent suspension system further contributed to a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease.

Interior comfort was a mixed bag for the Nissan Rogue. The front seats, though designed with Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion concept, felt smaller and less adjustable, creating discomfort for taller drivers. Rear-seat passengers, however, enjoyed high seating with excellent thigh support and a clear view, amplified by rear air conditioning vents and available rear USB charging ports.

Cargo capacity was a strong point for the Rogue, offering 39 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, exceeding rivals like the Mazda CX-5. Additional underfloor compartments and the Divide-n-Hide cargo management system added further utility.

The Acura MDX, targeting family-oriented buyers, excelled in interior versatility. Its sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated easier access to the third row and flexible legroom allocation. The MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with the second row down. Additional features like underfloor storage and a recessed cubby on the rear cargo wall enhanced practicality.

Upfront, the MDX boasted ample storage solutions, including a large glove box, a flexible center console with power and auxiliary jacks, and door pockets with extra storage. Tri-zone climate control ensured personalized comfort for all passengers.

While the 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system seemed comprehensive on paper, in practice, it left much to be desired. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Higher trims offered SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services, which provided a range of remote access and safety features.

However, the outdated 7-inch touchscreen exhibited slow responsiveness and frustrating interface issues, particularly with navigation zoom and voice recognition.

Acura simplified the MDX’s offerings into tech-laden packages, beginning with a well-equipped base model that featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging, email capability, multiple USB ports, SiriusXM, and an eight-speaker audio system.

The Technology Package added advanced features such as rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation with real-time traffic updates, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package built further, incorporating active suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated seats, a surround-view camera, and additional USB ports.

For extra entertainment, the optional Entertainment Package fitted the MDX with a rear DVD system with either a 9.0-inch or a 16.2-inch screen, additional speakers, and wireless headphones.

Safety was a mixed affair for the Nissan Rogue. Standard features included 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 through the Safety Shield 360 suite. Additional safety options included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist.

However, crash-test ratings were less favorable. The NHTSA gave the Rogue a four-star overall rating, downgraded to three stars for driver protection in frontal impacts. The IIHS ratings were similarly middling, preventing the Rogue from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The Acura MDX fared better in safety ratings. It came standard with the AcuraWatch suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning and a surround-view camera.

The MDX’s ACE body structure was designed to absorb crash impacts, redistributing energy away from occupants. The IIHS rated the MDX as “good” in all crash-test categories and “acceptable” for headlights and LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating.