2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was updated last year, gaining a more robust and technically inspired aesthetic that seemed more SUV-like. Its appearance was marked by darker gray plastic cladding and assertive styling cues like bold skid plates which gave it a touch of ruggedness, especially prominent on the rear bumper. The Rogue’s design also featured modern LED lighting and a distinctive V-Motion grille, while all trims sported aluminum wheels, adding to its refined yet sporty look. With optional two-tone paint, the Rogue offered a customizable appearance, appealing to those looking for a stylish vehicle. On the other hand, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson maintained a design that appealed to those preferring a more conventional look in their compact SUV. It featured an upright stance that provided excellent visibility and a modern dashboard that integrated technology seamlessly, making the controls easily accessible and enhancing the vehicle’s overall user-friendliness.

Sporting a lone 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2021 Nissan Rogue developed 181 horsepower, suitable for daily commuting but somewhat underwhelming for more dynamic driving needs, especially at full capacity in challenging environments like mountain roads. Its all-wheel drive option, increased ground clearance, and new driving modes enhanced its capabilities beyond the urban scape. Fuel economy, at an actual 27.5 mpg during varied driving conditions, fell just short of the EPA estimation. In contrast, the Hyundai Tucson offered two engines. Its base 2.0-liter engine generated a mere 161 horsepower, which felt sluggish, particularly on highways. A better-performing 2.4-liter engine with 181 horsepower presented a more capable choice and matched the Rogue's power output but still had to work hard under load. However, Tucson's ride struck a balance between comfort and responsiveness, which, while not exciting, provided a dependable everyday driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue notably upgraded its interior with features like “Zero Gravity” seats across multiple trims for enhanced comfort, abundant legroom, and improved cargo space of up to 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded. This adjustment in space did not just cater to passenger comfort but extended to practical usability, with thoughtful aspects like rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. Hyundai’s Tucson, while offering slightly less maximum cargo space at 61.9 cubic feet, still presented a functional interior. Front and rear seating provided respectable room, though it was not as spacious as the Rogue, and included several storage solutions conducive to family needs.

Rogue’s technology suite boasted a competitive edge with an 8-inch touchscreen in basic trims, expanding to a 9-inch display in higher trims, integrated with a navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and premium Bose audio system. Additionally, the Platinum trim pushed luxury, adding a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a generous 10.8-inch head-up display. The Tucson featured a simpler setup with a standard 7-inch touchscreen or an optional 8-inch in higher trims, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim elevated the Tucson’s technological offering slightly but remained a notch below the Rogue's more extensive and advanced features.

Safety in the Nissan Rogue was emphasized with the inclusion of Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all trims and additional technologies like ProPilot Assist enhancing the driving experience by facilitating smarter, safer handling. Although comprehensive, newer technologies and constant notifications could be somewhat intrusive. The Tucson also provided substantial safety features, with foundational tech such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning standard, and additional features available in higher trims. It performed admirably in safety tests, securing a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.