2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

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, 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, although some design elements like the fender swells were slightly exaggerated. Inside, the Rogue's age showed with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces, but the padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, received updates in 2017 and continued to carry those into 2021. The 2017 model introduced standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in 2020, the infotainment system was updated. For 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, LED lights, remote start, and upgraded seats. The LT also offered styling packages and driver assistance features through optional packages.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single engine 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 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 Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Available in FWD or AWD, the Trax's engine sufficed for city driving but struggled at highway speeds and during passing maneuvers, making plenty of noise. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes and bumps, but its tight turning radius provided good maneuverability in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and fun driving experiences. Chevrolet planned to introduce a retuned engine for the 2022 Trax, making 155 horsepower.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was challenging for taller drivers, with seats that were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for a comfortable driving position. 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's in-cabin storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but poorly bolstered rear seats that were uncomfortable over long distances. The Trax featured multiple storage trays in each door and low cupholder placement for large water bottles. Cargo space was mid-pack for the subcompact SUV segment, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but there was no option for a power liftgate.

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, remote access, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response and subpar voice-recognition technology, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and hard buttons and dials. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot, making it a highlight of the Trax.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, 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 Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for driver protection in a frontal-impact collision. The IIHS did not award the Rogue a Top Safety Pick designation due to issues with headlights and front-passenger protection.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera, with the LT Convenience Package adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. The Trax lacked many standard driver safety features found in rivals, such as forward-collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.