2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E aimed to blend traditional Mustang styling cues with a modern electric SUV design. It featured thin headlights, a long hood, and a large oval grille that paid homage to the Mustang coupe and convertible. The taillights mimicked the original Mustang's design and incorporated sequential turn signals. Vibrant colors, like Grabber Blue, enhanced its visual appeal.

Inside, the Mach-E was dominated by a massive infotainment touchscreen suspended from the middle of the dashboard, complemented by a thin rectangular display serving as the instrument cluster. The minimalist design was reminiscent of Tesla vehicles, with the standard rotary gear selector adding to the clean aesthetic. While interior materials were of decent quality, high-end trims only offered synthetic material called ActiveX, lacking a leather-upholstery option. Special First Edition models included unique trim elements such as red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, already a top seller, continued its mature and evolved styling from the previous year. It sported Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and optional LED fog lamps for higher trims. Active grille shutters and underbody covers enhanced airflow, while the floating roof and sleek lines gave it a sophisticated look.

The Rogue’s interior showcased a layered dashboard design with contrasting colors and surfaces. The center console was notably functional, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage beneath the console, large cupholders, and a wireless charging pad. A 9-inch center infotainment display was positioned for easy driver access, and the instrument panel varied from a 7-inch display in the lower trims to a 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims. The Rogue’s Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row ensured comfort for up to three passengers.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E lived up to its sporty Mustang heritage with an RWD default and impressive power. The base RWD Select model generated 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, hitting 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful GT Performance Edition boasted 480 hp and 634 lb-ft, accelerating to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The test car, with a mid-level AWD powertrain, produced 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Handling corners well, the Mach-E’s light yet responsive steering and low-mounted battery pack contributed to a planted and nimble feel. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels (20-inch on GT models) resulted in a firm ride. Three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—offered varying degrees of sportiness, and one-pedal driving was a feature, though traditional braking was also well-tuned.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, offering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The innovative Variable Compression technology adjusted the combustion chamber size for optimal power or efficiency. This engine increased performance significantly compared to the previous 2.5-liter inline-four.

The Rogue’s new CVT transmission covered wider gear ratios for better acceleration and responsiveness. The updated transmission reduced the common CVT drone, though a manual option was not available. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension offered a smooth ride with minimal body roll, while the electric power-assisted steering provided good road feel and a tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, marketed as an SUV, offered a station wagon-like package with a low driving position and roofline. Interior space was limited compared to the Tesla Model Y, with less headroom and legroom in both rows. The Mach-E’s cargo space measured 29.7 cubic feet with seats up and 59.7 with them folded, and it featured a 4.7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk).

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior functionality with numerous storage options, including door bottle holders, console cupholders, and multiple cubbies. The second-row passengers enjoyed ample storage and USB ports. Cargo capacity was impressive at 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet with seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, making it highly practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E introduced Ford’s new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates. It featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch instrument cluster. However, the touchscreen design was cluttered with text-heavy displays. Climate controls were managed via touchscreen icons, though a physical volume knob was provided. Higher trims boasted a nine-speaker B&O sound system.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue carried over the tech upgrades from its 2021 makeover, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center display, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto were standard, with wireless CarPlay on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating navigation for proactive speed adjustments.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E had yet to be rated by safety organizations but came with a suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. Higher trims included a 360-degree camera and Active Drive Assist, enabling hands-free driving on certain highways.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite standard across all trims, offering automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and more. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, including automated stopping and starting in traffic and navigation-linked speed adjustments. The Rogue earned a four-star safety rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021 model year from IIHS.