2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class appeared as an adequate-looking vehicle, but it didn't exactly sweep everyone off their feet. Its design lineage could be traced back to the original ML from 1997, which was starkly different from its contemporary rivals like the BMW X5. The renaming to GLE in 2016 didn't significantly elevate its appearance; it still seemed like a half-hearted effort, particularly past the A-pillar. Aggressive styling cues upfront, like the low hood and sloping nose, held promise, but the rest of the exterior did not keep up the momentum. Even with features like flat taillights and a designed rear contour, the GLE leaned toward a minivan aesthetic. Mercedes put substantial effort into styling their sedans, coupes, and sports cars; unfortunately, their SUVs, including the GLE, lagged behind the pitch-perfect proportions of BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the sporty elements felt mismatched with the GLE’s frame. Comparatively, the Volvo XC90 stood out much more favorably in terms of aesthetic appeal.

However, significant improvements were made to the GLE’s interior and the redesigned GLE Coupe for 2021. The makeover injected a sense of elegance and cohesion missing from earlier versions. The redesigned interior emerged as a masterpiece, showcasing high-quality materials, thoughtful layouts, and a delightful mix of textures and colors. The test model, featuring a bold red and black cabin, rivaled luxury interiors from Porsche and Audi. Architectural elements such as twin arching grab handles outlined with LED lighting spoke volumes about the GLE's posh intent—an overall sensory delight with just a few exceptions like the flimsy gear selector and turn signal stalks.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue unveiled a handsome new styling aligned with modern SUV aesthetics. It bore a more rugged, technical appearance, encapsulated by dark gray plastic cladding around its lower perimeter coupled with bold simulated skid plates and lower door protection. The clean LED lighting, prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions gave the Rogue a fresh and contemporary look. Aluminum wheels up to 19 inches and an optional two-tone paint job added a touch of customization, further enhancing its appeal.

The Rogue offered four trim levels, each progressively adding more features and luxury. Starting from the base Rogue S to the top-of-the-line Rogue Platinum, each trim presented a distinct blend of affordability and luxury. Our tested Rogue SL, adorned with an Almond leather interior and a panoramic sunroof, radiated a sense of spaciousness and light. Quality materials abounded, from soft-touch surfaces to appealing simulated wood trims. The entire cabin, including controls and layout, was designed for ease of use and comfort, with comprehensive technological integration. Despite a minor quibble about the 1980s digital clock-like climate control panel and the inclusion of a CD player, the Rogue’s interior remained technologically forward, boasting features like wireless Apple CarPlay.

Despite any styling reservations, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled as a multi-functional airship, particularly in its engineering brilliance. The GLE housed one of the most sophisticated suspension and turbocharged engine setups, with five different suspension configurations. Only the base GLE 350 utilized a standard coil-sprung setup, deemed most reliable and balanced for comfort. Higher configurations like the GLE 450 incorporated self-leveling air springs that adjusted dynamically based on weight and parking slope. The AMG Ride Control+ on AMG models offered an even sport-tuned version with Roll Stabilization and the Active Curve system, allowing the GLE to lean into turns akin to a motorcyclist.

Performance-wise, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe tested showcased an electric supercharger that delivered immediate throttle response, though it lacked the punchy thrill found in the twin-turbo variants—the eight-cylinder GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered fearsome power. The electric motor-generator setup in all variants except the base created a seamless blend of power and efficiency, capable of providing bursts of additional horsepower and torque courtesy of a 48-volt battery. Despite these technological marvels, fuel efficiency remained modest, with an average of 16 mpg in the AMG GLE 53 and up to 26 mpg on highway runs for the GLE 450.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, powered by a sole 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, necessitated more power for its nearly 3,500-pound frame. The CVT, while typically less favored, managed to handle the torque smoothly, aided by programmed ratios mimicking traditional automatics. The Rogue’s new driving modes, including Snow and Off-Road, paired with available AWD and 8.2 inches of ground clearance, underscored its adventuring capability, though the naturally aspirated engine felt underwhelmed in higher altitudes or challenging terrains.

Despite the power deficiency, the Rogue displayed commendable ride and handling qualities. An improved architecture featuring high-strength steel, combined with intelligent systems like Vehicle Motion Control, Intelligent Trace Control, and Active Ride Control, provided a predictable, smooth, and athletic driving experience. Enhanced by a quickened steering ratio and fine-tuning, the Rogue's steering vastly improved over its predecessor.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class accommodated spacious two-row seating unless configured with an optional third row, expanding capacity to seven passengers. The second-row seats offered power adjustments for added comfort and convenience, but accessing the optional third row required patience. The Coupe variant, with a five-passenger limit, faced space constraints exacerbated by its sloping roofline and large 22-inch rear tires, which narrowed the rear door openings. Cargo space in the standard GLE presented a generous 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all seats folded. Conversely, the Coupe managed only 23 and 61 cubic feet in similar configurations.

Nissan, in the 2021 Rogue, delivered a more functional interior anchored by its Zero Gravity seats, recognized for their ergonomics and comfort. The base trim offered cloth upholstery with manual adjustments, progressing to premium leather and advanced functionality in higher trims. Enhanced climate control systems across trims ensured optimal comfort for all occupants. The rear doors, opening almost 90 degrees, facilitated easy passenger loading despite tight parking arrangements. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were noticeably improved, and the Rogue could accommodate up to three child safety seats, boosted by innovations like the rear-seat reminder system.

Cargo management in the Rogue was notable, with up to 36.5 cubic feet in higher trims courtesy of the Divide-N-Hide system, and a maximum cargo space of 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage solutions included the under-console tray and generously sized door pockets, ensuring practicality.

Mercedes-Benz spared no expense equipping the 2021 GLE-Class with cutting-edge technology. The 12-inch touchscreen was a technological marvel, supporting Interior Assistant and responsive to specific gestures. Additional controls, accessible via touchpad or thumbpad, simplified navigation through menus. AMG models came with a Track Pace app for track enthusiasts. Comfort features extended to heated armrests, bolsters adjusting to steering movements, and the mood-enhancing Energizing Comfort program. The system also supported voice commands, routinely improving with frequent use.

In comparison, Nissan provided a robust infotainment suite in the Rogue. Starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and smartphone integration, the Rogue’s system expanded with trims to include features like NissanConnect Services, WiFi, and voice assistance through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A higher-end infotainment system was available in top trims, featuring a 9-inch display, wireless CarPlay, and premium audio. While the system’s physical controls faced minor usability issues, it delivered admirable performance overall.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled on the safety front, earning the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. It boasted standard features like blind-spot monitoring and driver attention alerts, with optional advanced functionalities like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and front cross-traffic braking. Unique features like Pre-Safe Sound, which played pink noise to reduce hearing damage in crashes, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, inflating seat bolsters in side impacts, highlighted Mercedes’ commitment to safety.

Nissan also prioritized safety in the 2021 Rogue, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of ADAS under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. With features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, the Rogue ensured broad protection. More advanced systems like ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering became standard in higher trims, further improved with Navi-link technology in top trims. Structural enhancements and innovative safety features like rear pre-tensioning seatbelts and a central airbag in the Platinum trim underscored the Rogue's focus on occupant safety.