2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, fit snugly between the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. Despite its unique dimensions, distinguishing the GLB from its siblings required a close look at the badge. The GLB boasted a sleek, athletic design with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more versatile for various terrains. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern, stylish cabin featuring round shapes, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The fit and finish were top-notch, and the beefy steering wheel added to the driving pleasure.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to evolve with a mature, sophisticated look. It shared design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's cabin featured a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The 9-inch center infotainment display and Zero Gravity front seats added to the comfort and convenience. The second row offered good legroom and space for passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive for $2,000. Fuel economy was respectable, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and off-road capabilities, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

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 featured Variable Compression technology, adjusting the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue's fuel economy improved significantly, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a third-row option, affecting the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with adjustable recline and sliding functions. In the seven-passenger GLB, the third row folded flat when not in use. Cargo space varied, with 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded in the five-passenger model. The seven-passenger model offered 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage and cargo space. The front cabin featured numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, depending on configuration, and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package added 10.25-inch displays, keyless go, and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality and traffic-sign assist. Advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trim levels. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands, and 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 for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology, including active brake assist, adaptive braking with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including 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, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and rear door alert. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added navigation integration. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.