2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Nissan Armada

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). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, 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 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 its waterfall control panel and older styling themes. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, though the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, a close cousin of the Nissan Patrol, underwent a significant facelift, aligning it with Nissan’s new signature exterior design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, with the Midnight Edition Package exclusive to the SL, the Armada was tested in its highest Platinum trim level. The redesigned exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, modernizing its look while retaining its traditional beefy and athletic body styling.

Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, an acoustic windshield, and front side windows, along with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and power-adjustable side mirrors. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite the updates, the Armada’s underbite remained, aging the model compared to its redesigned competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

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 merely adequate. The CVT managed 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 testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which helped with turns and smoothing out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL, with its 19-inch wheels, wasn’t particularly fun to drive, suffering from lifeless steering, poor suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Armada, available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or automatic four-wheel drive (4WD), was a capable off-roader despite its over 6,000-pound weight. It boasted a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. The maximum towing capacity was an impressive 8,500 pounds.

Fuel economy was a weak point, with RWD models getting an EPA-estimated 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, while 4WD models achieved 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The Armada’s handling had improved over the years, making highway driving less of a chore, though maneuvering in tight spaces remained challenging.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized, and taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position. The back seat, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, making it a preferred spot for passengers. 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 Nissan Armada, as Nissan’s flagship SUV, provided ample space and functionality. The broad dashboard housed a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were hard to reach. Front seats were power-adjustable, and second-row captain’s chairs were available, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. The third row was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The high load floor made loading and unloading challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, 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 was outdated, slow to respond, and the voice-recognition technology was subpar.

The 2021 Nissan Armada’s tech was significantly upgraded with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Available features included a wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system. The analog tachometer and speedometer, along with a functional but unattractive steering wheel, provided limited control over the infotainment system.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and missed a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to poor ratings in certain areas.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, except for a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. Optional features were a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system. The Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise.