2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats, enhancing the upscale look and feel.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its transformation from the previous year, maintaining its more mature and sophisticated styling. It shared several exterior design features with other current-generation Nissan vehicles, including the V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and LED fog lamps on the SL and Platinum trims. The Rogue also featured active grille shutters, underbody covers, and an "air curtain" to improve airflow. The floating roof design and slightly bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash with distinct horizontal layers, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage space. The 9-inch center infotainment display and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in upper trims provided a modern and user-friendly interface. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row offered comfort and space for passengers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The 19-inch wheels on the Touring and Elite trims enhanced handling, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous 2.5-liter engine. The new engine featured Variable Compression technology, adjusting the combustion chamber size for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue achieved an EPA rating of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and good steering feel. The 35.4-foot turning diameter was tight, making it easy to maneuver.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue had a well-thought-out interior with numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and cubbies in the dash. The rear seats also had storage options and USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, depending on the configuration, and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system in the Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

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 on upper trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, 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 on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system used navigation data to adjust speed proactively. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors by tapping the button on the rear door handle.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), as standard on all trims. This included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trims. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, and Nissan's Intelligent Driver Alertness technology. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.