2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape presented a blend of SUV and hatchback aesthetics, with its curved front and sleek roofline giving it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Despite its unique exterior, the interior design choices were somewhat disjointed, with materials that felt low-end, even in the top-tier Titanium model. The Escape offered new appearance packages for 2021, enhancing its visual appeal with features like 19-inch alloy wheels and upgraded upholstery, but the overall interior theme did not match the exterior's cohesive look.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its mature styling from the previous year, featuring a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior was sophisticated, with a layered dash and a center console that maximized space with an electronic gear selector. The Rogue's cabin was both attractive and functional, offering ample storage and comfortable seating, particularly with the Zero Gravity front seats. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model, showcasing Nissan's attention to detail.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options were also available, both using a 2.5-liter engine with a total output of 200 horsepower. While the three-cylinder engine was surprisingly adequate, the Escape's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with suspension and steering that felt cumbersome. The 2.0-liter engine allowed for a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, but figures for the hybrid models were not specified.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for a balance of power and efficiency, achieving impressive fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the steering was precise, making the Rogue a more engaging drive.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered competitive interior space, with a sliding rear seat that allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space. Non-hybrid models boasted 40.7 inches of rear legroom, while cargo space varied from 33.5 to 65.4 cubic feet, depending on seat configuration. However, hybrid models sacrificed some space due to battery placement, and overall cargo capacity was less than competitors like the Nissan Rogue.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior functionality, with numerous storage options throughout the cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, and multiple charging ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, and the cargo area offered 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made the Rogue a practical choice for families and those needing ample storage.

The 2021 Ford Escape featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch touchscreen on base models and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the wireless capabilities of newer competitors. The Titanium trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium sound system, but overall tech offerings were less comprehensive than rivals.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a tech upgrade, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating navigation for predictive speed control, moving the Rogue closer to semi-autonomous driving.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional options available in the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring across all trims. ProPilot Assist provided Level 2 driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2021 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.