2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a significant leap forward in terms of design and aesthetic appeal. The SUV's styling wore a more refined, technical look compared to its predecessors. Dark gray plastic cladding enveloped the lower perimeter, providing a rugged, almost audacious touch to the overall design, particularly around the rear bumper. The clean LED lighting elements and prominent V-Motion grille added a modern flair, and the proper proportionality of the vehicle accentuated its SUV identity. The Rogue offered wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, and an optional two-tone paint with a black roof could further enhance this SUV's custom look.

There were four models available: the Rogue S, starting at $25,650; the Rogue SV at $27,340; the more luxurious Rogue SL at $32,000; and the fully loaded Rogue Platinum at $35,430. The all-wheel drive option added $1,400 to the bill, and various premium packages were available. With an almond leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, the test vehicle underscored Nissan's commitment to roominess and quality. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars elevated the cabin's feel. The Platinum trim offered semi-aniline quilted leather, enhancing its luxurious appeal.

Regarding the 2021 BMW X5, it retained the iconic BMW design language, which was a double-edged sword. The kidney grille and body shape ensured it was unmistakably BMW, though it risked blending in with other models from the brand. The X5 featured a set of adaptive LED headlights, and the standard xLine models sported matte aluminum grilles with satin aluminum accents. The M Sport models took a different approach with high-gloss black accents creating a sporty appearance.

The X5 offered a range of wheel sizes from 19 to 22 inches depending on the trim. Inside, the interior felt familiar but fell into the trap of BMW sameness. While the black plastic material collected dust easily, the ample leather and soft-touch materials added a premium feel. M Sport models included specific styling elements such as a sport steering wheel and unique trim strips.

For the 2021 Nissan Rogue, performance was satisfactory but lacked excitement. The SUV weighed nearly 3,500 pounds and was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. While the continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a good job leveraging this power, it didn't inspire sporty driving. However, its AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road modes enhanced its off-the-beaten-path capabilities.

Nissan hinted at future power upgrades, possibly incorporating the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder used in the Altima sedan. Fuel economy for the tested front-wheel-drive SL model averaged 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. Where the Rogue shined was in its ride and handling, thanks to a new architecture composed of high-strength steel, sophisticated suspension components, and improved steering feel.

Conversely, the 2021 BMW X5 offered an array of powertrain options. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced a robust 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims like the X5 M50i used a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, generating a staggering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier X5 M and the same engine’s Competition Package pushed the power up to 617 horses.

BMW added a new plug-in hybrid model, the X5 xDrive45e, combining a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery. This version achieved 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the throttle response was quick. However, steering dynamics fell short of BMW’s reputation, feeling disconnected at higher speeds and causing some handling issues. In terms of fuel efficiency, the X5 showed a wide range: from 15 mpg combined in the high-performance X5 M to 50 MPGe in the hybrid model.

Nissan's quest for comfort in the 2021 Rogue was evident with its improved Zero Gravity seat designs. While these seats weren't new, they had been resized to provide better support and comfort. Trim levels determined the upholstery and power adjustments, ranging from cloth in the base model to premium leather in the Platinum trim. However, ventilated seats were notably absent despite heated seats and steering wheel options.

The Rogue featured automatic climate control varying by trim and generous rear-seat dimensions. The nearly 90-degree rear door openings made it convenient for loading passengers and car seats. Nissan managed to reduce interior noise substantially, contributing to a quieter ride. Cargo space was also a highlight, with up to 74.1 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded.

In contrast, the BMW X5 was a master of space utilization, making efficient use of every inch inside. The SUV featured cupholders positioned conveniently at the front, though the center console's cluster of buttons and dials could be confusing at night. Seating offered good comfort, though the firmness of the front seats became noticeable on longer trips. The heated seats and armrests worked effectively, and the available rear seats provided satisfactory comfort for adults and children, with an optional but untested third row.

The X5 retained its split liftgate, which was easy to operate with full power functionality and an air suspension system to adjust vehicle height for easier loading. Cargo space was generous, even in the plug-in hybrid version, which sacrificed only a bit for battery accommodation. However, the rear doors didn’t open as wide, making it less convenient for loading bulky items.

Regarding cargo capacity, the Rogue offered between 31.6 and 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, leading to a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet when folded. The X5's cargo area was spacious as well, though exact figures for the hybrid model varied slightly due to the battery placement.

Nissan equipped the 2021 Rogue with competitive infotainment features. The base S trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with knobs for power/volume and tuning, although their design could make them tricky to use. Higher trims like the SV and SL added NissanConnect Services, providing remote engine starting, automatic collision notifications, and more. The SL Premium Package or Platinum trim further upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system.

For the Platinum trim, additional tech included wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, making it the most tech-savvy option in the Rogue lineup.

Meanwhile, the 2021 BMW X5 boasted a sophisticated array of standard features starting with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though issues with CarPlay connectivity were noted. The standard package also offered a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, and a panoramic moonroof.

Optional enhancements ranged from remote start and a head-up display to a quad-zone automatic climate control system, massaging seats, and premium audio systems from Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins. While the BMW iDrive system had a learning curve, it became user-friendly over time.

Safety was a critical focus for Nissan with the 2021 Rogue, packed with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and importantly, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the Rogue came with ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims featured advanced ProPilot Assist with lane-centering assistance, improved radar and camera units, and more accurate and smoother operations. When equipped, the Navi-link technology further refined the system's capabilities.

Although crash-test results weren't available at the time of review, the increased usage of high-strength steel and engineered crash energy deflection suggested a strong safety performance.

The BMW X5 was well-equipped with safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. Despite the standard rearview camera and other driver aids, not all systems performed flawlessly. The adaptive cruise control often required human intervention, and the lane-keeping system struggled in various lighting conditions, including sunshine and light rain. Nonetheless, the X5 received near-perfect ratings from the IIHS and a commendable four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.