2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes made it blend in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, with xLine models showcasing matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes, while M Sport models boasted body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents for a sportier look. The interior, though filled with leather and soft-touch materials, suffered from an overuse of black plastic and a design that felt too similar to other BMW vehicles. M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated exterior design, featuring Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The SL and Platinum trims included LED fog lamps and active grille shutters for improved airflow. Inside, the Rogue's layered dash design and electronic gear selector lever created a modern and spacious feel. The center console offered ample storage, including a wireless charging pad and a large storage cubby. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with a Lincoln-like driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M at 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, the X5 xDrive at 23 mpg, and the X5 xDrive45e at 20 mpg combined or 50 MPGe with electric power.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous 2.5-liter engine. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, adjusting the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue's new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders, a wireless phone charging pad, and a center console filled with buttons and dials. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage areas, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and cubbies in the dash. Rear-seat passengers had storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrades included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, allowing for predictive speed control based on road conditions. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite seven recalls.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. ProPilot Assist combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control, with enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link available for predictive speed control. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.