2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Honda HR-V

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue confidently stood out with its handsome new styling and more technical appearance, resembling a true SUV more than a car. The bold V-Motion grille, dark gray plastic cladding along the lower perimeter, and simulated skid plates added an element of ruggedness, though the back bumper's audacity was debatable. Clean LED lighting elements and aluminum wheels sized up to 19 inches on higher trims lent a modern aesthetic, and the optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment gave the SUV a custom look. The cabin, enriched with soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, exuded a sense of quality. The Platinum trim with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting offered a genuinely luxurious interior. Despite the vintage look of the climate control panel numbers and the continued presence of a CD player, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay kept the Rogue technologically relevant.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer and friendlier appearance compared to Honda’s larger SUVs, with unique design elements like the convergence of upper and lower window lines near the taillights. Different trims brought their own flair, with the Sport model featuring matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, while the EX and EX-L models received a machined finish on their 17-inch alloy wheels. Fog lights came standard on all but the base LX trim. Inside, the HR-V's styling was functional, with quality materials and good fit and finish. The EX and EX-L trims provided additional luxury with features like automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with the EX-L boasting leather upholstery. While the HR-V's interior was not luxurious, it still felt solid and practical.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Nissan Rogue experienced criticism for its lack of power. With a tested weight of nearly 3,500 pounds, it was driven by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Although adequate for daily driving, it struggled during more demanding conditions, especially in mountainous areas. The CVT was mostly unobtrusive, mimicking traditional automatic transmission behavior, yet the absence of turbocharging left the Rogue wanting in higher altitude scenarios. Fuel economy also reflected its limitations, falling short of EPA ratings during testing. However, its well-tuned ride, handling, and steering, combined with features like Brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control, Active Ride Control, and the new Vehicle Motion Control system, showcased Nissan's effort to enhance driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine offered 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT with paddle shifters on higher trims. This setup, unchanged from previous models, made the HR-V underpowered for highway driving, compounded by an ineffective CVT. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek offered more powerful engines, making the HR-V's performance seem lackluster. Nonetheless, the HR-V's chassis compensated for its engine's shortcomings, delivering rewarding handling on twisty roads with decent ride quality. Its design as an enlarged subcompact hatchback contributed to these dynamic driving characteristics, although it couldn't perform as traditional SUVs in rugged conditions or towing scenarios.

Nissan's attention to comfort in the 2021 Rogue was evident with its Zero Gravity seats, redesigned for better support. Depending on the trim, these seats came in cloth, leatherette, or premium leather. Higher trims also featured Quick Comfort heated seats and climate control adaptations, creating a comfortable environment despite the lack of ventilated seats, which would have been beneficial in hotter climates. The Rogue's rear seats were notable for their improved headroom and legroom, easy access due to nearly 90-degree door openings, and capability to accommodate up to three child safety seats. Noise-reduction measures further enhanced the cabin's serenity.

In terms of cargo space, the Rogue offered a generous 31.6 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet when folded. The Divide-N-Hide cargo management system in SL and Platinum trims maximized functionality.

The 2021 Honda HR-V, on the other hand, excelled in cargo space for its size, boasting 58.8 cubic feet (57.6 for AWD models) with the rear seats folded down. Its “Magic Seat” 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, derived from the Fit, allowed for versatile cargo configurations, surpassing competitors except for the Kia Seltos and the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross. The HR-V led the segment in rear-seat legroom but only provided average front-seat legroom and headroom. Interior storage solutions were practical yet unremarkable, with large knobs for climate control and a straightforward, easy-to-use layout.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with tech features. The S trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a six-month Nissan Concierge trial. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspots, and integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The 9-inch touchscreen, door-to-door navigation, and Bose premium audio system in upper trims like the SL Premium Package and Platinum enhanced the experience. Platinum trim further offered wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. The infotainment system, despite some ergonomic issues with knobs and buttons, performed reliably.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V’s base LX trim offered minimal tech with just Bluetooth and a 5-inch display. The Sport trim introduced a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while EX and EX-L trims added SiriusXM. The infotainment system, though straightforward and functional, lagged behind competitors in screen size and standard features, marking a clear area for improvement.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Every trim came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system. Platinum trims added an airbag between the driver and front passenger for extra protection. ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control was standard from the SV trim up, with higher trims offering an advanced version with Navi-link technology. Though the Rogue's new ProPilot Assist was improved, it occasionally behaved unpredictably and issued constant notifications, potentially leading to driver frustration.

For the 2021 Honda HR-V, top safety ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA underscored its solid safety credentials. However, Honda Sensing safety features were only available on EX and EX-L trims, which included critical systems like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Honda's LaneWatch, exclusive to these trims, provided an enhanced blind-spot view via a mirror-mounted camera. Despite not receiving top headlight ratings, the HR-V’s safety features and ratings still made it a reliable choice.