2021 Jeep Wrangler 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, 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. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited retained its iconic styling, recognizable by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts, and protruding bumpers. The Wrangler offered various looks depending on the trim level, with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft top or hardtop, and other individual styling touches. Inside, the Wrangler was less about comfort and more about rugged charm, with upright seating, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. The trims ranged from the bare-bones Sport to the luxurious High Altitude, each adding different levels of comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single powertrain: 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 performance was merely adequate. The CVT did its best to make the most of the engine’s power, 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 were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn’t particularly fun to drive, suffering from lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and a Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, and the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road supercar. The Wrangler’s 4WD systems, including Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, provided excellent off-road capabilities, with features like front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized, and finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller drivers. The back seat, however, offered excellent comfort with high seat cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. Rear passengers enjoyed a great view, rear air conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler provided various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, premium black cloth soft top, and the Freedom top hardtop. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, offering a convenient way to enjoy the open-air experience. The Wrangler’s cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. It also featured drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the wheel-wells and roll-bars could make fitting larger items challenging.

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, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was dated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler’s base Sport trim came with a basic 5-inch screen, but higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screens featured crisp graphics and intuitive layouts, complemented by steering wheel radio toggles. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

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 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 the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading. The Wrangler’s safety features were basic, especially in the base configuration.