2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the fresh styling and improved interior storage introduced in the 2020 model year. It featured standard Honda Sensing safety technology and available wireless smartphone charging. The exterior had subtle differences from the gas-only variants, such as "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and a unique rear bumper. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The Touring trim, which was tested, included leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate, among other features.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued the mature styling introduced in the previous year, sharing design elements with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and active grille shutters for improved airflow. The interior boasted a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The Rogue's cabin was equipped with Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a spacious second row. The Platinum model, which was tested, showcased high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor. This setup produced a total of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, it had three driver-selected modes: Econ, Sport, and EV. The hybrid system added 194 pounds to the vehicle, improving weight distribution and maintaining 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid delivered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating, achieving 33.7 mpg on the testing route.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine with three cylinders, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's new engine improved fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats provided excellent support and adjustability, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seat offered remarkable legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite this, it remained practical for carrying luggage and other items.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue impressed with its smart interior design and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, depending on configuration, and expanded to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, last redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its large, flush surface and power/volume knob. The 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, and the lack of a tuning knob impacted user experience. The system was slow to start, and voice recognition was limited. However, the Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a technology upgrade in 2021, which carried over to the 2022 model. Upper trim levels featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 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 for predictive speed control.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trim levels, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also offered ProPilot Assist, which combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for Level 2 advanced driver assistance. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.