2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Honda CR-V

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue underwent a transformation both inside and out, reflecting a more sophisticated and SUV-like demeanor. With its technical, modern design, the Rogue projected a tougher stance, highlighted by dark gray plastic cladding along its lower perimeter and bold skid plates, maybe a bit too ostentatious at the rear. The LED lighting elements, the prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions provided a distinctly contemporary look. Opting for the two-tone paint with a black roof gave the SUV a custom feel.

The Rogue had four trims: S, SV, SL, and the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from $25,650 to $35,430, not including the $1,095 destination fee. Our test vehicle, the SL trim fitted with the Premium Package and extra-cost paint, epitomized luxury with its Almond leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, bringing the total cost to $35,195.

The interior of the 2021 Rogue impressed with abundant soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped A-pillars, all contributing to an upscale cabin ambiance. The logically arranged controls were intuitive, and the Platinum trim, with its semi-aniline quilted leather and ambient lighting, elevated the luxury experience. Despite the retro feel of the climate control panel numbers, Nissan ensured the Rogue was not lacking in tech, evidenced by its inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and even a CD player.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design felt somewhat derivative and indistinguishable from its competitors. The uniformity among compact crossovers was particularly stark with the CR-V, though minor distinctions like the grille and chromed plastic details set it slightly apart. Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, but practical options were limited, and vibrant colors were rare at dealerships.

Inside, the CR-V’s trims dictated the materials and finish, from basic cloth in the lower trims to leather and wood accents in higher trims. The seats had a modern angular design, and the overall cabin appearance was competently upscale. Although the CR-V showed more conventional styling, it didn’t stand out in a crowded market.

Back in 2021, the Nissan Rogue's performance was sufficient for daily needs but left some wanting more power. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, the Rogue was adequate but not exhilarating. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) handled torque well, mimicking traditional automatic transmission behavior to some degree. Despite this, drivers looking for spirited driving experiences might have been left yearning for more oomph.

For adventures off the beaten path, the Rogue was equipped with AWD, providing up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road. Although the normally aspirated engine lacked power in challenging environments, the Rogue offered a switchable drive mode system, including Standard, Sport, and Eco modes, which helped to make the driving dynamics more responsive.

Nissan acknowledged the power shortfall and suggested future additions like a turbocharged engine, potentially the variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter found in the Altima and Infiniti QX50. Fuel economy was respectable, with our tested Rogue SL FWD achieving 27.5 mpg, just shy of the EPA rating.

Mechanically sound, the Rogue rode on a new, more robust frame with a suspension system designed for a smooth, predictable, and comfortable ride. While the 19-inch wheels contributed to its athletic feel, the real transformation came from the newly positioned electric assist in the steering column, dramatically improving the steering feedback.

The Honda CR-V's performance was steady and predictable, prioritized over outright excitement. Every 2021 CR-V trim (excluding the Hybrid) came with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. The CR-V accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds, on par with the segment, but not impressive.

The CR-V also featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), though it lacked the driving engagement of competitors with their traditional automatic transmissions. The drivetrain options included standard FWD, with optional AWD, a choice typical for the class. However, the Subaru Forester’s standard AWD was a notable differentiation.

The CR-V rode on a unitized body structure with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear suspension, ensuring competent handling and ride comfort. It didn't offer any surprises but remained a solid, reliable performer.

Nissan aimed for optimal comfort in the 2021 Rogue by implementing its Zero Gravity seat design, inspired by the neutral spine position achieved in outer space. These seats were more comfortable compared to the previous generation. Depending on the trim, the seats offered various levels of adjustment and materials, from cloth in the base model to premium leather in the Platinum trim. However, ventilated seats were notably absent.

The Rogue was also equipped with advanced climate control systems, starting with basic air conditioning in the S trim up to a triple-zone system in the SL and Platinum trims. Rear-seat occupants benefited from improved headroom and legroom, nearly 90-degree opening rear doors, and sufficient comfort for adults or kids. Moreover, Nissan incorporated additional noise reduction measures for a quieter cabin. Innovatively, the Rogue introduced significant storage solutions, like an electronic shifter freeing space for an under-console tray and a center armrest with a split butterfly opening.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue was competitive; it offered up to 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats in the S and SV trims, expanding to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. With rear seats folded, the maximum cargo volume of 74.1 cubic feet was substantial, accommodating a variety of loads.

The Honda CR-V’s design focused on functionality, aiming to comfortably fit five passengers and their cargo. It excelled here, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing competitors like the Toyota RAV4. The CR-V's cargo capacity was impressive, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, slightly edging out the Rogue.

The CR-V’s usability was enhanced by features like multiple tailgate configurations, varying from manual to hands-free power options, depending on trim. The Touring trim included roof rails, an advantage over lower trims where they were not available. Overall, Honda ensured practicality and convenience, key strengths of the CR-V.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came well-equipped with a robust infotainment system starting with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base S trim. This included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Convenience features like knobs for volume and tuning, although small and hard to grip, and menu shortcut buttons enhanced usability.

Higher trims like the SV and SL added NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspot, and voice assistant integrations. The top-tier infotainment package in the SL Premium Package or Platinum included a larger 9-inch touchscreen, door-to-door navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system. Additional tech features in the Platinum trim included wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

In contrast, the base Honda CR-V LX offered minimal tech, featuring a 5-inch color screen with basic Bluetooth connectivity. In higher trims, a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging was standard. Starting from the Special Edition trim, a 180-watt six-speaker system was included, with the EX-L trim upgraded to an eight-speaker setup and the Touring trim boasting a 300-watt system with a subwoofer.

Charging ports were plentiful from the EX trim upwards, providing multiple USB options for front and rear passengers. The Touring trim enhanced convenience with a wireless phone charger, although satellite navigation was exclusive to this trim.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue placed significant emphasis on safety, equipping all trims with Nissan Safety Shield 360. This suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and notably, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, as opposed to adaptive cruise control seen in other models.

Additionally, the Rogue had ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and rear pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelts. ProPilot Assist, available from the SV trim, offered semi-autonomous features like lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control with improved radar and camera accuracy. Higher trims with the SL Premium Package and Platinum introduced Navi-link technology, further enhancing the ProPilot Assist system with predictive speed adjustments for curves and junctions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning both a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, though it fell short of the highest Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight and side crash test ratings variability by trim. Its LATCH child seat anchor system received an "Acceptable" rating.

Honda made an impressive array of advanced safety features standard across all trims under the Honda Sensing system. This suite included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, ensuring even the base LX trim offered substantial protection. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert started from the EX trim upwards.