2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The test model featured the SL trim with front-drive, the SL Premium Package, and additional accessories, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, highlighted by its bold V-Motion grille and 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 center console sides for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a luxurious SUV, with pricing starting at $92,000 and reaching up to $250,000 with extensive customization options. The test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim with standard paint and wheels. Despite its design nearing a decade old, the Range Rover exuded timeless elegance with hallmark design cues and a sophisticated Byron Blue exterior. Inside, the cabin offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was less intuitive than newer models.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the powertrain was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially on freeways or steep grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD models, but testing revealed a lower 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The SUV featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, although the test drive was limited to a mild trail. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV's power built smoothly, offering a quiet and fast driving experience. However, the steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and height affected handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, with testing showing 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior posed challenges for taller drivers, with seats that were undersized compared to Nissan's usual Zero Gravity designs. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort and visibility, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area provided 39 cubic feet of space, with additional underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers struggled with entry. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort, with inadequate thigh support and a slouched seating position. Despite this, the rear offered quad-zone climate control and other amenities. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. The cargo area provided 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades offered SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like remote access and emergency SOS calling. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while sophisticated, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also offered an Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist. 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 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.