2021 Dodge Durango 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). Our test car, an SL trim with front-drive, the 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 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, fitting in with its Charger and Challenger siblings. The new SRT Hellcat model featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a redesigned front end. Our tester was this new model. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. The cabin featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior became increasingly premium with higher trim levels, offering various upholstery options and contrast stitching.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with 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 merely adequate. While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing slower vehicles, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but our testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive due to lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth and controlled power. The Durango's steering inspired confidence, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension on rural roads and tech fighting the vehicle's architecture on the track. The Hellcat's Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power, even after repeated laps. The Durango R/T's Tow N Go Package allowed for stable towing with a 50/50 AWD torque distribution.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushion designs and Quick Comfort heating. However, taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable driving position due to limited seat height adjustment. The back seat offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a panoramic glass sunroof, making it a preferred spot for passengers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area provided 39 cubic feet of space, underfloor storage compartments, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler with comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It offered seating for five in two rows, with an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The front and second-row seats were spacious, accommodating taller passengers, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango provided 21 seat options, catering to various preferences. Cargo space was average for its class, functioning as expected. The Durango's fit and finish had significantly improved, standing out compared to earlier models.

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 outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with higher trims getting a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was five times faster than its predecessor, offering user profiles, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and OTA updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens. The gauge cluster's design made it difficult to read the exact speed, but the TomTom navigation system was a standout feature.

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 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 NHTSA and issues with headlights and front-passenger protection in IIHS testing.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, airbags, and electronic stability control. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA, but front crash testing ratings were not yet available.