2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class arrived as a new addition in 2020, joining a substantial lineup of Mercedes SUVs. It slotted in between the more compact GLA and the slightly larger GLC, with a length of 182.4 inches and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. While it was distinguishable in size, discerning it from its lineup-mates sometimes required a closer look at the tailgate badge. Mercedes-Benz’s consistent design language was evident, imparting an attractive, athletically-styled exterior bolstered by 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Inside, the GLB delivered a modern and luxurious experience, emphasizing round shapes that lent an aerospace vibe. The meticulously crafted HVAC vents and the combined panel for the instrument cluster and infotainment screen exemplified the company’s excellence in fit and finish.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome new look, emphasizing its SUV characteristics over a car-like appearance. Its design featured dark gray cladding along the lower perimeter and simulated skid plates, lending a rugged look that some found slightly overdone at the rear. LED lighting, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions granted the Rogue a modern aesthetic. The array of trims—from Rogue S to the luxurious Platinum—offered options for various tastes and budgets, with available two-tone paint and aluminum wheels adding a custom touch. Inside, the Rogue's Almond color leather interior, panoramic sunroof, and abundant soft-touch surfaces lent a premium feel. The overall arrangement of controls and upgraded comfort features like the Zero Gravity seats enhanced the Rogue's interior appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup allowed the GLB to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, adequate for family outings. The GLB came in front-wheel drive as standard, with the option for 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which added $2,000 to the price but provided better handling and agility. Fuel economy figures stood at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD variant, slightly differing with AWD. The SUV's 4-wheel independent suspension and ground clearance of 7.9 inches contributed to its good performance and off-road capability, making it agile and well-planted during drives.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was weighed down by its need for more power. Its single engine option, a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, struggled slightly, especially on inclines or with heavy loads. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), however, managed to make the best of the available torque, providing smooth operation with programmed ratios to mimic a traditional automatic. The Rogue offered AWD and various driving modes like Snow and Off-Road, enhancing its versatility. However, underpowered engine performance impacted its responsiveness. Despite these criticisms, the Rogue's robust architecture, improved ride tuning, and advanced steering system improved its overall driving experience. Fuel economy was recorded at 27.5 mpg in mixed conditions, which was respectable but fell short of the EPA rating.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class presented an interesting choice with its available third row, which significantly influenced the interior space configuration. The second row, adjustable and divisible 40:20:40, provided flexibility for both passengers and cargo, sliding forward in three-row models to accommodate easier third-row access. Cargo space in the two-row GLB was ample, with 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 62.0 cubic feet when folded. In the three-row setup, however, capacity dropped to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet in total, prioritizing passenger accommodation. The front seats offered excellent comfort and adjustability typical of Mercedes-Benz, enhancing the ride experience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled in its practical and thought-out interior design aimed at maximizing passenger comfort and utility. The improved Zero Gravity seats provided notable comfort, with enhancements noticeable across various trims. Higher trims offered eight-way power adjustment, leather upholstery, and features like Quick Comfort heated front seats. The Rogue’s rear seats were notably spacious, with significant headroom and legroom improvements. They also included nearly 90-degree rear door openings for better accessibility. The cargo capacity was generous, with 31.6 cubic feet of space in the Rogue S and SV, and up to 36.5 cubic feet in higher trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. When the rear seats were folded down, the capacity increased dramatically to 74.1 cubic feet, placing it among the largest in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class came brimming with technology. It packed the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with advanced voice control, natural language understanding, and customizable keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional packages enhanced the technological suite significantly, offering larger 10.25-inch displays, a Burmester Surround Sound System, augmented reality navigation, and advanced safety features like parking assistance with surround view and a head-up display. The adaptive damping system, ambient lighting with 64-color options, and inductive wireless device charging were standout features, making the GLB a tech-savvy vehicle in its class.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system was competitive, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard on the S trim. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services with features like remote engine start and a WiFi hotspot, integrating Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim included a larger 9-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system. The Platinum also featured wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, elevating the Rogue's tech game significantly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class benefited from Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for safety innovation. Standard safety features included active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call services. The GLB could be equipped with active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, blind-spot assist, and a comprehensive Driver Assistance Package. This package included advanced systems like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, which preemptively protected occupants before a collision. However, the GLB had not yet been rated for safety by national agencies like the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came well-equipped for family safety, featuring advanced driving assistance systems bundled under Nissan Safety Shield 360. These included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the Rogue offered 10 airbags, a driver monitoring system, a rear-seat reminder system, and innovative rear pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelts. Starting with the SV trim, the Rogue included adaptive cruise control as part of the improved ProPilot Assist system, which was further enhanced with Navi-link technology in the SL Premium Package and Platinum trim. These advanced systems made the Rogue a strong contender in terms of safety, even though crash-test results were pending.