2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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 featured the SL trim, front-drive, SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $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, though some design elements felt 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic. The rear showcased an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, with darkened features and black accents, added to its appeal. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, real metal surrounds, quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The doors felt well-weighted, and sound deadening technology kept noise at bay.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was powered by 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. While the CVT made the most of the available power, 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 Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a choice between a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, or a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on various conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower.

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 taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position. The back seat, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, making it a preferred spot for passengers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area provided 39 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with a handy under-stack area for storage. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Stow ’n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow ’n Go third-row bench seat. The second- and third-row seats provided plenty of legroom, with the Stow ’n Go feature allowing for easy loading. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

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 interface was dated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern, customizable, and responsive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a second-row in-seat entertainment system and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature.

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 a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.