2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels, though the V-Motion grille and fender swells were somewhat exaggerated.

Inside, the Rogue’s age was more apparent. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms felt dated compared to modern designs favoring wide, horizontal, angular motifs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. The Durango’s connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform felt dated. The cabin design was straightforward but simple, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, albeit with a longer wheelbase and overall length. While the Jeep received significant interior updates, the Durango’s cabin felt in need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year.

Trim levels for the 2020 Durango included SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T, and SRT. The SXT featured 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The GT added 20-inch wheels, a sport-inspired grille, and remote start. The R/T included rain-sensing wipers and leather-and-suede upholstery. The Citadel focused on luxury with chrome exterior touches and premium leather upholstery. The SRT boasted a unique look with a more aggressive front fascia and 20-inch black wheels, along with performance-oriented features like ventilated front seats and optional racing stripes.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single powertrain: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and smoothed out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL’s 19-inch wheels and tires didn’t make it fun to drive. The electrically assisted steering felt lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim.

The V6 provided decent power, suitable for family haulers like the Toyota Highlander or Volkswagen Atlas. The 5.7-liter V8 in the R/T offered confident acceleration, making the Citadel a robust near-luxury SUV. The SRT’s 392 cubic inch V8 excelled in low-end power and high-speed performance, with paddle shifters optimizing the V8’s power. The SRT also featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, enhancing its car-like handling and minimizing body roll.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs with Quick Comfort heating. However, taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position due to limited seat height adjustment. The back seat, on the other hand, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, especially with the panoramic glass sunroof. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and USB charging ports.

In-cabin storage was limited, with only the glove compartment offering significant space. However, the cargo area was impressive, with 39 cubic feet of space behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, though the VW Atlas offered more space. The Durango’s towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The Durango’s cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped, suitable for kids on longer trips. The large second-row doors and easy-fold seats facilitated access to the third row. The driver and front passenger had multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays for gear. The second row of the SRT model included a center console with cup holders.

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, and safe teen driver settings, with trial periods ranging from six months to three years.

Despite the sophisticated features, the NissanConnect interface was disappointing. The 7-inch touchscreen had a recessed display and slow response to inputs, especially when zooming the navigation map. The voice-recognition technology was also subpar, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Dodge Durango’s SXT and GT trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system stood out for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. The tablet-inspired layout included a dock of icons for easy access to functions like radio, phone, climate controls, and navigation. The system also had redundant hard controls below the touchscreen.

Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with seamless transitions between CarPlay and Uconnect screens. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate using the steering wheel’s directional pad. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a 4-star overall rating, with a dismal 3-star rating for driver protection in a frontal-impact collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also noted issues with the Rogue’s headlights and front-passenger protection, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The R/T, Citadel, and SRT trims included front- and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection.

In NHTSA crash tests, the Durango earned a four-star rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in other phases. The IIHS gave the Durango a Moderate rating for driver’s side small-front overlap testing and a Good rating in other crash tests. The optional crash-prevention technology was rated Superior.