2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim added a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, enhancing its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive features that emphasized the vehicle's width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, contrasted with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added to its visual appeal.

The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The seats, available in leather, aluminum, or carbon-fiber trim, were sculpted for comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats were nearly as comfortable as the front, and the cabin was filled with rich leather and padded materials for both quality and safety. Details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob highlighted the attention to detail. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, maintaining a theme of simplicity and quality.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, maintained an attractive appearance despite its age. The bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells were balanced by the appealing 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim. However, the interior design revealed its age, with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The waterfall control panel down the center of the dashboard and rounded forms were outdated compared to modern, angular motifs.

Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue SL's center console sides were padded for driver comfort, a thoughtful touch. The rear seats offered excellent thigh support and a proper backrest angle, with a high seating position providing a great view. The available panoramic glass sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports made the back seat a preferred spot for passengers. However, the front seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity cushion designs, were undersized and lacked the adjustability needed for taller drivers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined for its price range. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single engine and transmission combination: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the engine's power, the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades. The EPA rated the FWD Rogue at 29 mpg combined, but real-world 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 the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The system was well-organized, but some safety features were buried in menus. The XC90's cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity cushion designs, were undersized and lacked adjustability for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, were comfortable and offered excellent thigh support and a high seating position. The panoramic glass sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports made the back seat a preferred spot for passengers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options compared to competitors.

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. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, and the interface was slow to respond. Voice-recognition technology was also subpar, making the Rogue's tech features less impressive in practice.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 collection as standard, featuring 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 the NHTSA and lower ratings from the IIHS.