2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Nissan Rogue had undergone a significant design overhaul, featuring a handsome, more technical appearance that allowed it to look more like an SUV than a car. Dark gray plastic cladding enveloped the lower perimeter of the Rogue, creating a rugged image accentuated by bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection. At the rear, the styling bordered on the audacious, especially on the back bumper. Modern LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned dimensions gave the Rogue a contemporary aesthetic. Aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter added to its allure, particularly when paired with optional two-tone paint and a black roof. The Rogue was available in four trims: the entry-level S at $25,650, the popular SV at $27,340, the SL at $32,000 which added a touch of luxury, and the high-end Platinum at $35,430, featuring semi-aniline quilted leather seats and other upscale amenities. Each of these prices required an additional $1,095 for destination charges. Factory options included a $1,400 all-wheel drive and premium packages for the SV and SL trims. A test Rogue SL, equipped with the Premium Package, extra-cost paint, floor mats, and a cargo area protection package, reached a total cost of $35,195, inclusive of destination charges. The test vehicle's interior boasted Almond color leather and a panoramic glass sunroof, contributing to an airy, light-filled environment. The quality was evident through the use of soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trims, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars. Nissan maintained a clean, logical arrangement of controls. The Platinum trim escalated the luxury with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Though the Rogue's climate control numbers resembled an old-school digital clock, it didn’t detract from its technological sophistication, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and an optional CD player. Meanwhile, the Cherokee's styling had also evolved since its debut. While its short grille opening and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, they seemed better-proportioned after seven years. The exterior look greatly depended on the trim level chosen. The entry-level Latitude, with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD), appeared more rental-car standard. In contrast, the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding presented a more refined appearance. Jeep excelled in roof design across its models. The Cherokee’s optional panoramic sunroof covered the entire top surface, aligning it with the company’s reputation. The Cherokee's distinctive front profile drew visible inspiration from the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, ensuring it stood out in crowded parking lots and crossover SUV traffic.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Nissan Rogue offered only one engine choice: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. While this output sufficed for daily driving, it left some critics desiring more power due to the vehicle's near 3,500-pound weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, with programmed ratios mimicking a traditional automatic transmission, adding subtlety to the CVT's usually noticeable operation. Paddle shifters were available but seldom used. Despite its aspirations for adventure, the Rogue’s modest engine limited its zest, especially in mountainous terrains. The available all-wheel drive (AWD), up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and driving modes such as Snow and Off-Road, helped mitigate this limitation. However, discussions with Nissan representatives hinted at a future turbocharged option, possibly the same variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Altima sedan and Infiniti QX50. Switching to the Sport driving mode sharpened the Rogue's dynamics temporarily. With no confirmed plans for a returning Rogue Hybrid, curious drivers could explore the Eco driving mode. Fuel economy for the tested front-wheel-drive (FWD) Rogue SL averaged 27.5 mpg over a varied driving loop, slightly below its EPA rating. The new high-strength steel architecture, accounting for 35% of the structure, and advanced suspension systems created a balanced, enjoyable ride. The Nissan's redesigned steering, with electric assist moved to the steering rack and a quicker ratio, significantly improved over its predecessor. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered more engine choices, depending on the trim level. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 180 hp. The mid-tier engine was a 3.2-liter V6 boasting 271 hp, while the highest engine was a 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 270 hp and an impressive 295 lb-ft of torque. The latter engine was available on the new-for-2021 Latitude Lux and the Jeep Cherokee Limited trims. The Cherokee Trailhawk proved adept off-road, sporting Jeep Active Drive Lock for a 56:1 crawling ratio and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. Most importantly, unlike the Wrangler, the Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to rental fleets and budget-conscious buyers.

Nissan's 2021 Rogue featured Zero Gravity seats, designed to promote comfort by mimicking the neutral spine position found in zero gravity. Previous models had smaller versions, but the new Rogue included improved Zero Gravity seats across different trims, from cloth on the S to premium leather on the Platinum. Depending on the trim, features like Quick Comfort heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available. However, ventilated seats were not an option. Standard air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control in the SV, and a triple-zone system in the SL and Platinum, ensured a comfortable environment for all passengers. The Rogue's rear seats boasted enhanced headroom and legroom with nearly 90-degree door openings, facilitating easy passenger loading. Rear side window sunshades and rear A/C vents were standard, adding convenience for all occupants. Storage solutions in the Rogue were generous, featuring a compartment beneath the center console due to the electronic shifter, and door pockets that could hold 32-ounce bottles. The rear offered up to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims, featuring the Divide-N-Hide cargo system, and the overall cargo space extended to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This space was among the largest in its class. In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee fell short in utility. Its cargo capacity measured 26 cubic feet with rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the second row folded, placing it at the bottom among compact SUVs. The 102 cubic feet of passenger volume slightly exceeded the Kia Sportage but fell short of the Ford Escape. The Cherokee’s interior focused on simplicity and functionality. Lower trims like the Latitude had a basic, rubberized plastic-focused design, whereas higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux featured more luxurious materials such as suede and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

Technologically, the 2021 Nissan Rogue stood out with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, supporting Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Moving up to SV or SL added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with features like a Bose premium audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Rogue's Platinum trim included advanced tech like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Users generally found the system easy to operate, though the knobs for power/volume and station tuning could be challenging to use. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's infotainment system was equally commendable, featuring the user-friendly Uconnect system widely regarded for its intuitive interface. It came with either a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. Both sizes supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit wired. Jeep also provided a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Features like remote start were also available.

Ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system came standard. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and in the Platinum trim, an airbag between the driver and front passenger. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, however, didn’t fare as well in safety ratings. It lackedTop Safety Pick awards from IIHS, though it received "Good" scores in most crashworthiness categories and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. It still boasted essential safety features as standard, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims like Limited and Trailhawk.