2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 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). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. A thoughtful touch was the padded sides of the center console for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and look. Aside from a “4xe” badge and blue accents, it resembled a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the windshield base being the main difference. The test vehicle, a Rubicon trim painted Firecracker Red, was well-equipped with over $13,000 in options, bringing the price to $66,690. Inside, it mirrored other four-door Wranglers with additional blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior retained its rugged, hose-me-out look but included more soft-touch materials than expected. Controls were logically laid out, and robust grab handles hinted at its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured 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 adequate but not impressive. 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 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 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it offered 20 mpg combined and a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power and efficiency. With 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, it accelerated to 60 mph in six seconds. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its versatility, averaging 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 miles on electricity.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior posed challenges for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and space for longer legs. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort and visibility, with high cushions, proper backrest angles, and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into, especially for shorter passengers, but once inside, it provided a comfortable experience. The driving position was classic Wrangler, with a high seating position and clear views. Manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position, though seats tended to lower over time. Storage space was limited due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet, with additional storage under the load floor, though the charging cord and subwoofer took up space.

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 remote access and emergency SOS calling. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system performed well on the freeway. While intuitive, the Uconnect system showed its age in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Trip Summary data panel and charging indicator lights provided useful information about the PHEV powertrain.

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. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating from NHTSA but had a three-star rating for rollover resistance. IIHS testing revealed issues with small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver.