2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with a mix of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor its massive frame. Chevy designers seemed to have borrowed the Camaro's design language, which didn't translate well to the Suburban. However, the interior was a different story, maintaining a familiar layout with controls in the same place, making it user-friendly. The trim levels ranged from LS to the range-topping High Country, each adding more features and luxury, but the High Country still lacked the soft-touch materials found in true luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, carried forward its mature and sophisticated look. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, giving it a detailed and tasteful look. The center console was a highlight with an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage space, and a 9-inch center infotainment display. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row added to its comfort, making it a well-finished and attractive option.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Max Trailering package allowed the 5.3-liter V8 to tow up to 8,300 pounds. Our test vehicle featured the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, but the Suburban's truck-based underpinnings revealed some handling drawbacks, such as body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds. However, the independent rear suspension improved ride compliance.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine's Variable Compression technology allowed it to adjust the compression ratio for better performance and fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasted massive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, but the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value, but the overall passenger and cargo space were impressive.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers had storage options and USB ports for their devices. The cargo area provided 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The Rogue's interior was well-designed for both family and commuter needs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available navigation system, rear entertainment system, and head-up display added convenience and functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to its safety offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came with the 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. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.