2021 Ford Bronco vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was offered in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The vehicle featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Our test car had the SL trim, front-drive, SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, priced at $34,870, including destination charges.

Despite its age, the Rogue remained visually appealing, with a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added to its allure. However, the interior design felt dated with older styling themes that contrasted with the contemporary trend toward wide, horizontal, angular motifs. The plastic surfaces didn't offer the best tactile experience, though the padded center console sides provided some comfort.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Ford Bronco resurrected the classic SUV's legacy, drawing on its original off-road-centric reputation that dated back to 1966. With standard all-wheel drive and sturdy adventure-ready styling, it was built on the Ford Escape platform but was significantly more robust. The design philosophy of “Retrofuturism,” updating a classic design with modern technology and materials, resonated with Bronco enthusiasts.

The Bronco’s exterior included a one-piece grille, round headlights, and bold lettering, evoking its heritage. It was available in two-door (100.4-inch wheelbase) and four-door (116.1-inch wheelbase) configurations, with 32-inch tires standard and 35-inch for the Sasquatch package. The rear full-size spare tire added a vintage touch, while modular features like removable doors and a choice of black soft-top or removable hardtop enhanced its ruggedness. Inside, it combined retro stylings with advanced tech, like an 8-inch or optional 12-inch touchscreen and a digitized instrument cluster. Overall, the Bronco's retro appeal and modern amenities made it a compelling package.

Nissan's 2020 Rogue featured a sole engine option, a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a CVT. Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT did its best to maximize the limited power, especially in Sport mode, yet the vehicle struggled during freeway merging, overtaking, and ascending steep grades, with excessive noise rather than swift acceleration. The fuel economy didn't reach the promised 29 mpg, instead averaging 24.9 mpg on test drives.

On a positive note, Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control improved the Rogue's handling and ride quality, respectively. The former imitated a torque-vectoring system, enhancing cornering, while the latter smoothed out road imperfections. Despite these features and its 19-inch wheels, the Rogue wasn’t particularly enjoyable to drive. Its steering felt lifeless, the suspension was lacking, and the CVT drone could become fatiguing.

Ford's 2021 Bronco was introduced with two engine options. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed manual transmission. The optional engine was a twin-turbo 2.7-liter inline-four generating 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines provided ample power, with smooth gear transitions in the 10-speed transmission.

The Bronco shined both on and off-road. During tests in Michigan's challenging weather and terrain, it performed like an off-road truck. The First Edition four-door model with the Sasquatch package (35-inch tires) felt capable but noisy on regular roads. For daily drives, standard 32-inch tires would be quieter. Off-road, the Bronco demonstrated excellent traction, balance, and driving fun. Even on rugged terrain, it proved accessible for novice off-roaders and thrilling for seasoned enthusiasts.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue had a comfortable rear seat, especially for taller individuals, due to high seat cushions and stadium-style seating. The generous rear thigh support, optimal backrest angle, and panoramic glass sunroof contributed to passenger comfort. Rear passengers also enjoyed air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. However, front-seat comfort was compromised by limited adjustability, making it less comfortable for drivers with long legs.

Interior storage in the front was limited, but the cargo space was impressive, boasting 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, surpassing the Mazda CX-5. The Rogue also offered underfloor compartments and a versatile Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Bronco excelled in modularity, accommodating enthusiasts' needs for removable doors and easy storage. The Bronco's designers incorporated durable door storage bags and crafted storage spaces, simplifying door removal and reattachment. Standard underbody protection and modular, easily replaceable fenders and bumpers made it trail-ready. The trail sights on the hood served as tie-down points for roof-mounted cargo.

The Bronco's interior featured purpose-built off-road controls, strategically placed for intuitive operation during rugged journeys. The center stack had quick-access buttons for differential and suspension settings, while the overhead console housed auxiliary switches for aftermarket off-road accessories. Versatility and thoughtful design shone through the Bronco’s interior, reflecting Ford’s attention to detail.

Comparing cargo capacity, the Bronco's modular features provided flexibility, but no specific cargo volume was mentioned. The Rogue, with 39 cubic feet of space, clearly topped the Bronco in standard cargo capacity, though the Bronco’s modularity might offer advantages in varied use cases such as gear-heavy off-roading.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included a suite of infotainment features but struggled with usability. Standard offerings included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Higher trims offered upgrades like SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. Subscription-based NissanConnect Services added remote engine start, door lock operation, car finder, automatic collision notification, and emergency SOS calling. Despite the impressive list, the 7-inch touchscreen interface felt outdated, responded slowly, and had subpar voice recognition.

The 2021 Ford Bronco incorporated the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition. It featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen and an optional upgrade to a 12-inch display. The High Package included a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and wireless device charging. The center console had intuitive controls, including the G.O.A.T. mode selector for off-road terrain management. The Bronco offered push-button start, upgradeable to proximity key entry with Mid Package, rear-view camera with backup assist, and auto high-beam headlights. The Sasquatch Package added another layer of off-road capability with Bilstein shock absorbers.

Safety features in the 2020 Nissan Rogue included the standard Safety Shield 360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert were also included. Optional features like a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering added further safety, though these felt dated compared to newer competitor technologies. The Rogue scored 4 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests, with a lower rating of 3 stars for driver protection in frontal crashes. The IIHS also had reservations, citing issues with headlights and front-passenger protection.

Ford categorized the Bronco's safety features by trim levels. The base model included essential airbags, while the Big Bend and Black Diamond trims added options like a reverse sensing system, Ford Co-Pilot 360 (with pre-collision assist, blind-spot information, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping system, auto high-beams, and rear-view camera). Higher trim levels could opt for the High Package, adding a 360-degree camera, forward-sensing system, and side-view mirror LED approach lamps. Despite having removable doors, the Bronco included side curtain airbags that deployed appropriately in off-road scenarios. No crash-test ratings were available yet from NHTSA or IIHS.