2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its unique design and impressive engineering. Dominated by a large honeycomb grille, which some found too wide, the QX50's front end was distinctive without crossing into gaudy territory. This grille was topped by a curved hood featuring sporty bulges on the sides. From the driver's seat, the forward view was reminiscent of a sports car due to a low-slung hood and tall fenders.

At the rear, a standout element was a crooked chrome strip aft of the C-pillar, adding character and mimicking other models in Infiniti’s lineup. The panoramic moonroof stretched from the front row to the cargo area, enhancing the cabin's airy feeling and offering stunning views.

However, the QX50's aesthetic design had minor drawbacks. Thick B-pillars affected side visibility, and the rear window’s short opening hindered the rear view. The Sensory AWD test vehicle sported attractive 20-inch silver-painted alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires, contributing to its appealing look.

Inside, the QX50 boasted an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The interior featured easily accessible controls, actual knobs and buttons for climate and radio adjustments, and a traditional gear shifter, appealing to those not yet accustomed to push-button gear selectors.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue carried no new styling changes from its transformative 2021 redesign. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, flanked by multi-level LED headlights. SL and Platinum trims included LED fog lamps. Active grille shutters, underbody covers, and an “air curtain” directed airflow and improved aerodynamics. The floating roof effect, created by dark supporting pillars, added to its sleek appearance, finishing with a bulging liftgate.

The interior followed a layered dash design trend, with distinct horizontal layers featuring different surfaces and contrasting colors in some trims. The electronic gear selector lever allowed for more console space, providing practical storage solutions like a wireless charging pad, cupholder slots, and a large storage cubby. A 9-inch center infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims ensured the tech was user-friendly. The Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort, and quality materials, especially on the Platinum model, ensured premium fit and finish.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a singular powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. It produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine’s variable compression technology (VC-Turbo) adjusted the compression ratio for power and efficiency, providing a smooth, quiet ride, although the CVT's artificial shift points were noticeable.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The AWD system provided stability on challenging surfaces, making a construction-zone-laden, rainy drive manageable. The drive mode selector offered Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness, while Eco mode focused on fuel efficiency at the expense of acceleration power.

For the 2022 Nissan Rogue, performance saw a significant boost from its new 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, improving horsepower by 11% and torque by 24% over the 2021 model. The engine’s variable compression technology optimized combustion efficiency based on power needs, enhancing both performance and fuel economy.

The CVT surrounding the new engine had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride, while the electric power-assisted steering and tight 35.4-foot turning diameter offered good maneuverability.

Inside, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious feel. Both front and rear seats provided ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, sufficient for comfortable seating. The sliding second-row seats allowed easy adjustment between passenger space and cargo room.

The QX50 excelled in cargo capacity, offering 31.1 cubic feet behind the second-row seats with the moonroof, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with seats folded. Vehicles without the moonroof saw slightly increased capacities of 31.4 and 65.1 cubic feet, respectively. The optional Cargo package added practical features like a reversible cargo protector and additional storage utilities.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also provided thoughtful storage options. The front cabin offered numerous storage solutions, including bottle holders, a glove compartment, center console bin, and under-console tray. USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets were conveniently placed above the wireless charging pad. Rear passengers had seatback storage, door bins, and charge-only USB ports, with a 60/40 split reclining bench.

Cargo space in the Rogue varied between 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to a generous 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. This made the Rogue a strong contender for practical utility and family convenience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered an advanced infotainment system with dual displays, including an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower screen. Voice recognition, Infiniti InTouch Services, and seamless Apple CarPlay integration made for a user-friendly experience. The Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality. The vehicle featured ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, enhancing long drives' comfort and safety.

For the 2022 Nissan Rogue, the tech upgrades from 2021 carried over. Upper trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, with Navi-Link on models so equipped, added predictive speed control based on upcoming road conditions, reflecting significant strides towards semi-autonomous driving.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured robust safety technology. Standard offerings included blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering was available on higher trims, enhancing highway driving safety. The QX50 received four out of five stars for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS for crash protection.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all trims. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and high beam assist. ProPilot Assist and ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided advanced driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2021 model from the IIHS, promising impressive safety credentials.