2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came in six distinct trims, each with a unique aesthetic that set it apart. The base LS and popular LT trims sported different grille designs. The RST trim flaunted a sporty slotted grille, a blacked-out design, and 22-inch wheels. The Z71 trim blended the LS trim’s grille with improved off-road capabilities, featuring a redesigned front end, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and 20-inch wheels equipped with all-terrain tires. The Premier trim took on a more upscale look with a slotted grille and chrome accents, shiny exterior trims, and polished wheels. Lastly, the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille, sizable 22-inch wheels with a bright finish, and body-color mirror caps. Across all trims, the dominant design feature was the grille. Standard LED headlights tucked into the upper corners and LED running lights mimicking those on the Silverado pickup truck added character. The rear featured more expressive taillights, quad-outlet dual exhausts, and extensive tailgate trim, breaking away from the previous model's clean look. Inside, the Tahoe experimented with a more spacious and functional layout. The upper half of the cabin displayed exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces, while the lower half was adorned with hard plastic. The shift to leather seats from the LT trim onwards, especially the High Country’s perforated and textured leather, enhanced the interior’s luxury. However, Chevy’s move to new electronic transmission controls compromised the user-friendliness of other physical controls by forcing them lower on the center control panel. Despite no longer offering a front bench seat, the Tahoe maximized capacity for eight people. The 2022 Nissan Rogue mirrored its brand’s latest design language, showing off a sophisticated exterior with notable features such as the distinctive V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and floating roof illusion created by dark supporting pillars. The rear showcased a slightly bulging liftgate completing the sleek body design. In the cabin, the Rogue exuded modernity with a sophisticated layered dashboard. Close attention to detail was evident across all trims, with contrasting colors and different surfaces highlighting the distinct horizontal layers. The center console's smart design, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, allowed for an open space underneath—perfect for practical storage. Its 9-inch infotainment display, elevated to eye level, showed thoughtful user-centric design. Overall, while the Chevrolet Tahoe presented bolder exterior variations and a more rugged persona, the Nissan Rogue focused on modern, sleek appeal with excellent interior functionality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims housed a 5.3-liter V8 engine delivering 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. Exclusive to the High Country trim, a 6.2-liter V8 produced an impressive 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel inline six-cylinder engine promised 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, although it was unavailable for the Z71 trim due to design constraints. A 10-speed automatic transmission powered the Tahoe, optimizing performance regardless of powertrain configuration, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds and handling up to 1,834 pounds of payload. This setup, combined with available air suspension and Magnetic Ride Control, significantly improved both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a groundbreaking 1.5-liter VC-Turbo inline three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, benefiting from Variable Compression technology, adjusted performance and efficiency dynamically based on driving demands, leading to a remarkable 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new engine paired with an advanced CVT gearbox delivering more responsive performance across varied driving conditions. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension, along with its precise electric power-assisted steering, resulted in a balanced ride with minimal body roll. While the Tahoe offered raw V8 power suitable for towing and heavy-duty tasks, the Rogue provided an innovative, fuel-efficient engine with lively everyday performance.

The Tahoe’s shift to an independent rear suspension allowed for significantly improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test model boasted heated power-adjustable front seats and a sliding storage console, adding practicality and comfort. The second-row options included a bench seat or individual captain’s chairs, with ample room and comfort, especially with added features such as rear entertainment displays. Third-row passengers also benefited from the enhanced legroom and comfort. Chevrolet promised best-in-class cargo volume with the Tahoe, offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 72.6 cubic feet when folded, and maxing out at 122.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The Rogue impressed with clever storage solutions and a functional layout. The cabin provided numerous storage spaces, including bottle holders, a glove compartment, console bins, and more. Rear passengers enjoyed similar convenience with additional storage options and USB ports. The Rogue’s cargo space ranged from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. While the Tahoe excelled in sheer cargo volume, making it ideal for larger families or cargo-heavy tasks, the Rogue’s flexible and well-thought-out storage features made it extremely practical for daily use.

The Tahoe’s advanced 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by a new digital platform, brought significant computing power, over-the-air updates, and enhanced security. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and multiple Chevrolet Connected Services options. The Tahoe’s mid-grade Bose audio and optional Rear Seat Media systems further enhanced the in-car experience. The Rogue’s technological upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. It supported Google Maps, Waze, and voice commands for navigation, supplemented by Apple CarPlay (wireless in higher trims) and Android Auto. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link integrated with navigation to proactively manage driving conditions. Both vehicles were technologically adept, but the Tahoe offered a broader range of connected services and a potentially better audio experience, while the Rogue’s seamless integration with navigation and driver-assists advanced everyday convenience and safety.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with a comprehensive range of safety features. Standard equipment included Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, Safety Alert Seat, and enhanced blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. During testing, the Tahoe's safety systems functioned well, though the pedestrian detection alert could be distracting. Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims. Standard functionalities included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Advanced options comprised ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, improving adaptive cruise and steering-assist capabilities, particularly useful in traffic. The Rogue earned a four-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2021 model year from IIHS. Given their comprehensive safety offerings, both vehicles stood out, with the Rogue slightly ahead in terms of advanced driver-assist technologies.