2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a bold statement with its appearance and sound. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the windshield base being the main difference. When the battery had enough charge, the vehicle moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, included over $13,000 in options. Inside, it retained the classic Wrangler look with some unique touches like blue stitching and special PHEV gauges, but it didn't offer luxury or refinement.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, carrying over the 2021 model's transformation. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector, and ample storage space. The 9-inch infotainment display and Zero Gravity front seats added to the comfort and sophistication. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Wrangler to reach 60 mph in six seconds. The battery offered an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each catering to different driving needs. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its capabilities, averaging 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity.

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 engine improved fuel economy, achieving 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had a good feel. The Rogue's performance was lively and efficient, making it a well-rounded choice for various driving situations.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the classic Wrangler driving position offered a clear view of the road. The interior had limited storage space, with small bins and a glovebox. Rear-seat passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window added to the Wrangler's charm but could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space 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 storage options 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, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. This made the Rogue a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technology focused on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided good audio quality. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel and charging indicator lights were helpful features for managing the PHEV powertrain.

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. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the standard headlights were rated Poor. The Wrangler earned a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. However, it received a Marginal rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over in two tests.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on upper trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for advanced driver assistance. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.