2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different performance and seating needs. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and redesigned front end introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights.

The interior of the RX was well-appointed, even in the base model, with features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Higher trims offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-folding third row. However, the center console's design and the infotainment system's functionality were points of contention, with the latter being functional but dated compared to competitors' more modern setups.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued the grownup look introduced in the previous year's redesign, featuring a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof. The SL and Platinum trims added LED fog lamps and other aerodynamic enhancements. Inside, the Rogue adopted a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage space, and a 9-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel varied by trim, with a 7-inch display on lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital screen on upper trims.

Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the second row offered good legroom and space for two adults or three in a pinch. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, with high-quality materials used throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid featured a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, though some body roll was present at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model offering a bit more spirited driving experience. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7-7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from 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 also improved fuel economy, achieving 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness.

The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power well, delivering a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering provided good feel, and the 35.4-foot turning diameter was tight. The new engine and transmission made the Rogue's performance more lively and enjoyable.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seats were spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous places to stash items, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers had storage options and USB 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 and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it highly versatile for carrying luggage or other items.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system's touchpad controller was functional but took up valuable console space and was less refined than competitors' systems.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrades from 2021 carried over, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch 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, allowing for predictive speed control based on road conditions.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and scored well in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, 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 airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added navigation integration for predictive speed control. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.