2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

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 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 remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels.

However, the interior revealed the Rogue’s age, with an older waterfall control panel design and rounded surfaces. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the timeless cool of its predecessors while firmly stepping into the modern era. The new Defender featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterned cladding. The spare tire mounted on the side-hinged tailgate and short overhangs gave it a rugged, capable appearance. Fit and finish were first-rate, and the bold "DEFENDER" nameplate added a tasteful touch.

Inside, the Defender emphasized exposed structure with a dash held between horizontal beams and exposed Allen-head bolts on the door panels. The beefy controls and steering wheel, luxury-comfortable leather seating, and a crisp digital instrument panel highlighted the high-quality, thoughtfully designed interior. The center touchscreen interface was securely mounted, and the use of real metal and leather added to the authentic feel.

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 powertrain was merely adequate. While the CVT made the most of the available power, 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 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. The electrically assisted steering felt lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response were standard, with Terrain Response 2 and locking differentials as options. The Defender’s off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance.

On the road, the Defender was quick for its weight, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter in 5.8 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The 3.0-liter mild-hybrid powertrain impressed with its driving character, offering a rock-solid and comfortable highway ride and ease of maneuvering in city driving. The Defender’s off-road capabilities were convincing, even without testing on rocky obstacles.

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, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller drivers. The back seat was more accommodating, with a high cushion, excellent thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic glass sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports made the rear seats a preferred spot for passengers.

In-cabin storage was limited, but 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 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The independent suspension allowed for flexible interior configurations, including an optional jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The Defender 110 offered 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

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 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, was standard, along with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, aided off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

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 a 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 no Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability.