2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 GMC Yukon

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). 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, 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However, the interior revealed the Rogue’s age, with an outdated waterfall control panel and rounded forms.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 GMC Yukon, redesigned for that year, positioned itself as a premium-grade, truck-based full-size SUV. Available in standard and extended-length body styles and in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, the Yukon started at $50,700. The new AT4 trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like an improved approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, the Denali trim, priced at $83,720 with the Denali Ultimate option package, was the most popular, offering a balance of luxury and ruggedness.

The Yukon Denali stood out with its Midnight Blue paint, 22-inch wheels, intricate grillework, and chrome lower body trim. Its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching elevated its sophistication. The Ultimate Package’s panoramic sunroof added to the upscale cabin feel, making it more refined than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single 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 our testing yielded only 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and smoothed 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 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices. The Denali trim came with a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, providing robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble at idle. Paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivered strong performance but lacked fuel efficiency. Our testing averaged 14.4 mpg with 4WD and 16.2 mpg with 2WD, slightly below the EPA ratings of 14 city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The new independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension with Magnetic Ride Control improved the Yukon’s ride quality and handling. However, the 22-inch wheels and 275/50 tires made pavement irregularities more noticeable. The Yukon’s oversized wheels and tires provided impressive grip, and the steering was reasonably quick and accurate. The brake pedal initially felt stiff but became easier to modulate with use. The Yukon’s new Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced cornering performance and traction.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The front seats, though featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized and lacked adjustability for taller drivers. The back seat, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a high seating position with a great view, making it comfortable for passengers. The rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports added to the rear-seat comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats in the Denali trim were heated, ventilated, and featured 12-way power adjustments, though they felt hard during long drives. The second-row seats now slid and folded flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet.

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, slow to respond, and had subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, offered a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays. The rear-seat entertainment system required some trial and error to stream content, but it provided plenty of entertainment for passengers. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points.

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 a Rear Door Alert and a Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 GMC Yukon included standard forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Teen Driver technology, a rear-seat reminder system, and OnStar services. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon’s ADAS operated smoothly and effectively, making it a reliable choice for safety.