2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or 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 remained attractive, featuring a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its appeal.

However, the interior revealed the Rogue’s age, with an outdated waterfall control panel and rounded forms. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, though the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban’s front-end design was polarizing, with a combination of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn’t favor its massive frame. The design language borrowed from the Camaro didn’t help, and the Suburban’s look was not universally liked. However, the interior was more consistent, with controls in familiar places, making it user-friendly. The radio and climate controls were well-placed, though the chrome strip framing the touchscreen could reflect sunlight into the driver’s eyes.

The Suburban came in various trims, including LS, LT, Z71, RST, Premier, and the top-tier High Country. The LS offered standard features like an infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, and tri-zone climate control. The High Country, which we tested, included the High Country Deluxe package with adaptive air suspension, power-retractable running boards, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its upscale features, the High Country lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs, feeling more like an upscale pickup.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured 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 adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. 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 showed 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, which helped with turns and smoothing out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL’s 19-inch wheels and tires didn’t make it fun to drive, and the electrically assisted steering felt lifeless and heavy. The suspension lacked isolation, and the CVT drone was occasionally bothersome.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V8 with the Max Trailering package could tow up to 8,300 pounds. Our test vehicle had the new Duramax turbodiesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making the Suburban capable of seating seven or eight people while offering truck-like capability.

The Suburban’s handling revealed its truck-based underpinnings, with excellent brakes providing ample stopping power. The independent rear suspension improved ride compliance, though body roll and truck-like tendencies, such as chatter over bumps and susceptibility to crosswinds, were still present. Overall, the Suburban offered a smooth ride over most surfaces.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized, and taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position. The back seat, however, was more accommodating, with a high cushion, good thigh support, and an excellent view, enhanced by the panoramic sunroof. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, making it a pleasant space for children and adults alike.

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

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it provided 93.8 cubic feet, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, comparable to many small crossovers. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view, ample head- and legroom, and spacious second-row captain’s chairs. The control layout was similar to GM’s pickup trucks, with the main difference being the button shifter, which was less intuitive than a column shifter.

The power-sliding center console in our test model was a complex feature that seemed unnecessary, being slower and more cumbersome than a simple latch-released rail system. Despite this, the Suburban’s passenger and cargo space were impressive.

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, which offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s intuitive infotainment system, featuring crisp graphics and a sensible layout. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available wireless device charging pad, making it a convenient setup. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, and a helpful head-up display.

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 Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were 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 NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system allowed for setting speed and volume limitations. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options were the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated for alerts.