2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Nissan Rogue displayed a bolder, more technical appearance that set it apart from its predecessor. The new design leaned heavily into the SUV aesthetic, with dark gray plastic cladding making the Rogue look both rugged and modern. Clean LED lighting, the prominent V-Motion grille, and proper proportioning contributed to its contemporary look. The optional two-tone paint with a black roof gave the vehicle a custom vibe. Available in four trims—S, SV, SL, and the luxurious Platinum—the Rogue covered a wide range of prices from $25,650 to $35,430, excluding destination charges.

Our test vehicle, the SL, came equipped with an Almond-colored leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, creating a light and airy cabin. The interior boasted soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, elevating the sense of quality. Despite some nostalgia-inducing climate control panel numbers resembling an '80s digital clock, the interior layout was logical and user-friendly. Notably, the Rogue still included a CD player, accompanied by modern amenities like wireless Apple CarPlay.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out thanks to its distinctive design and unique engineering. Starting at the front, the large honeycomb grille, coupled with a curved hood featuring athletic bulges, gave it a sporty demeanor. A signature crooked chrome strip near the rear added character, mirroring Infiniti's design language. The moonroof, stretching from the front seats to the cargo area, not only brightened the cabin but also provided stunning views, especially at night.

Our Sensory AWD test vehicle, equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, highlighted the QX50’s elegant yet athletic exterior. Inside, the cabin felt upscale with textured soft-touch materials and aluminum trim accents. The heated and cooled front seats proved beneficial across varying temperatures, enhancing comfort significantly. The actual knobs and buttons for radio and climate control further emphasized functionality and ease of use, counterbalanced by a slightly perplexing gear shift design.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, weighing close to 3,500 pounds, relied on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the power seemed lacking for more demanding conditions, such as hilly terrains. The CVT performed smoothly with nearly imperceptible transitions, enhanced by paddle shifters for a more traditional feel. The 2021 Rogue's AWD system, combined with an 8.2-inch ground clearance and new driving modes, was designed for a degree of off-road capability.

Nissan’s handling adjustments, including the use of high-strength steel making up 35% of the vehicle's architecture, resulted in a robust and enjoyable drive. The Rogue's suspension setup provided a smooth and athletic ride with minimal head toss. Notably, the redesigned electric steering system, shifted to the steering rack, significantly improved steering feel.

Infiniti’s QX50 came exclusively with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. It offered a higher output of 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the innovative VC-Turbo technology adjusting the compression ratio for either power or efficiency. The CVT, notable for downshift rev-matching, had a reputation for droning, but decades of fine-tuning had largely resolved these issues.

The QX50 featured drive modes—Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal—affecting torque output, transmission behavior, and steering. Sport mode stood out for its enhanced responsiveness and brisk acceleration, while Eco mode, though fuel-efficient, felt sluggish. AWD was optional for an extra $2,000, providing reassurance on slippery surfaces, exemplified during our rainy highway journey. The QX50 consistently felt composed and secure, reinforcing its luxury credentials.

Nissan significantly improved the Rogue's interior comfort with its Zero Gravity seat designs. Despite having offered these seats before, the new-generation models felt more comfortable. Depending on the trim, you could get cloth, leatherette, or premium leather upholstery. Higher trims added heated seats and steering wheels, though ventilated seats were notably absent. Triple-zone climate control in higher trims ensured rear passengers stayed comfortable.

Cargo capacity was substantial. The Rogue offered 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats (models without the Divide-N-Hide system) and up to 36.5 cubic feet in trims that included it. Folding down the rear seats expanded storage to a generous 74.1 cubic feet, competitive in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Infiniti QX50 boasted a spacious interior, enhanced by the panoramic moonroof that maintained headroom. Rear passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, with sliding second-row seats enhancing either legroom or cargo space as needed. The cargo area offered 31.1 to 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 64.4 to 65.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, marginally less than the Rogue’s.

Our test QX50's interior bore ample storage options, including cupholders, bins, and charging ports. The optional Cargo package, which included various protective and organizing features, proved functional for both everyday and leisure items.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a robust suite of infotainment options. Starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the base model, the system then expanded with higher trims to include NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspot, and smart home integration. The SL Premium and Platinum trims featured a larger 9-inch touchscreen, navigation with real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system. Higher trims also included advanced features like wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, making the technology package comprehensive.

The Infiniti QX50 didn't disappoint in the tech department either. Essential and higher trims featured the dual-screen InTouch system, voice recognition, and integrated navigation. Connecting smartphones via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay was straightforward, and the 16-speaker Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality. ProPilot Assist, available on all trims except the base Pure, provided advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and stop-and-go capability. These features greatly enhanced long drives, ensuring both convenience and safety.