2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

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, SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, was priced at $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined vehicle. Updated for the 2020 model year with 40 upgrades, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology, these changes carried over to the 2021 model. The XT5 featured standard LED lights, 20-inch wheels, and a sophisticated design with slimline details highlighting its beefy proportions. The interior boasted upscale materials, sweeping horizontal design lines, and thoughtful placement of straightforward materials. The Premium Luxury trim level exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, making it one of the most refined Cadillacs aside from the Escalade.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a single engine and transmission option: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT did a good job of maximizing the available power, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 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 vehicle was not particularly fun to drive due to lifeless steering, lack of suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered more robust performance options. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trim levels, the XT5 came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque, which was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided immediate throttle response but could benefit from additional low-end torque. The XT5's engine start-stop technology was seamless, though it could be inconvenient in hot weather. The AWD version achieved about 25 mpg during testing, better than the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. The XT5's fuel economy was comparable to rivals like the Infiniti QX50 and Acura RDX.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity cushion designs, were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for taller drivers. The back seat, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, making it a comfortable spot for passengers. The Rogue excelled in cargo space with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system. In-cabin storage was lacking, with only the glove compartment offering a healthy amount of space.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided enough room for four adults in two rows, though the back seat's headroom was limited for taller occupants. The front seats, while visually appealing, were not as comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Heated front seats were standard, and the SUV featured a reasonable 30 cubic feet of cargo space. The cargo area was deep but limited in width by wheel bump-outs. The XT5's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage of loose items, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone and small map pockets.

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, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, slow to respond, and had subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback. The tri-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats added to the comfort. The XT5 included a rotary controller for the infotainment system, one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, wireless charging, and USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 4G LTE WiFi hot spot and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. The rear camera mirror and head-up display (HUD) enhanced the driving experience, though the smartphone recharging pocket required the phone to be out of sight.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included 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 Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and issues with headlights and front-passenger protection in IIHS testing.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. The available Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and the Teen Driver software allowed parents to limit vehicle features and monitor driving habits. The XT5's safety technology provided sufficient alert capability without being overly intrusive.