2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Jeep Renegade

The 2021 Nissan Rogue showcased a fresh design with a more technical and rugged SUV appearance. Its dark gray plastic cladding, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection screamed ruggedness, maybe a bit too much on the back bumper. Clean LED elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and aluminum wheels up to 19 inches gave it a modern, attractive look. Optional two-tone paint added a custom touch.

Four versions of the Rogue were available: the entry-level Rogue S at $25,650, the popular Rogue SV at $27,340, the luxurious Rogue SL at $32,000, and the top-tier Rogue Platinum at $35,430. Each required an additional $1,095 for destination charges. For those opting for all-wheel drive, it added $1,400 to the price. Test models like the Rogue SL had a Premium Package and additional features, totaling $35,195 with destination charges.

The interior featured an Almond leather design and a standard panoramic glass sunroof, offering a bright, roomy cabin. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars added quality, and the dashboard had a logical layout. For a more luxurious feel, the Platinum trim offered quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Renegade, inspired by the Wrangler SUV, had a distinctive boxy profile, circular headlights, and a seven-slat grille. The design was pragmatic, with an upright center stack making controls easily accessible. The Renegade came in multiple trims: Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk, each with unique features.

The Sport trim started with basics like push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Jeepster added features like keyless entry and remote start. Latitude models offered additional USB ports and opened up options for other packages.

The Upland was tailored for adventure with skid plates and a unique front bumper for better off-road capability. The 80th Anniversary trim included a larger touchscreen and navigation. The Islander had exclusive graphics and a dual-panel panoramic moonroof. The range-topping Limited trim included luxury items like leather upholstery and heated seats. The rugged Trailhawk trim, identical in price to the Limited, boasted skid plates, tow hooks, and an advanced off-road suspension.

The performance of the 2021 Nissan Rogue left some room for improvement. It was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, which wasn't powerful enough for its nearly 3,500-pound weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a good job optimizing torque, mimicking traditional automatic shifts and even offering paddle shifters. However, for real adventure needs, the engine's power fell short, especially when loaded and navigating into mountainous regions.

The Rogue's available AWD, combined with up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance and new driving modes, made it moderately capable off the beaten path. But Nissan hinted at offering a more powerful, possibly turbocharged engine in the future. Meanwhile, drivers could use the Sport mode for more responsive dynamics or Eco mode for better fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive version of the Rogue SL recorded 27.5 mpg during tests, slightly below the EPA estimate.

Constructed with a robust architecture, the 2021 Rogue ensured a smooth and satisfying ride with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. The new Vehicle Motion Control anticipated and adjusted to drivers’ inputs, enhancing comfort and handling. The redesigned steering system provided better feedback and performance than previous models.

Comparatively, the 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engines: a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, and an optional turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder generating 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with either FWD or 4WD, sometimes fell short of smooth and timely shifts.

Despite its non-exciting engines, the Renegade handled well, thanks to its solid suspension and maneuverability, particularly in urban settings. It featured a terrain management system catering to various conditions, and the Trailhawk trim reached peak performance with its off-road capabilities and higher ground clearance. The Trailhawk’s specialized suspension and 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it competent off-road, living up to its “Trail Rated” status.

Inside, the 2021 Nissan Rogue featured Zero Gravity seats designed to mimic the neutral spine position found in a gravity-free environment, offering enhanced comfort. These seats progressed from cloth in the S trim to premium leather in the Platinum trim, equipped with various heating options. The rear seats provided more headroom and legroom compared to the previous generation and had nearly 90-degree-opening doors for easier access. Nissan also integrated features to reduce cabin noise and added practical storage solutions.

The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6 cubic feet of space in the S and SV trims, increasing to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. With the rear seats down, it provided a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet—one of the largest in its class.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, although smaller, efficiently utilized its boxy shape to offer ample headroom in both rows and good legroom up front. The rear seats were slightly less spacious but still suitable for adults. The Renegade's clever storage options included cubbies, trays, and even a fold-forward front passenger seat for long items.

The Renegade had 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.8 cubic feet with the seats folded—a noteworthy amount for a subcompact SUV, though less than some competitors like the Kia Soul and Honda HR-V.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a robust infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the base S trim. The SV and SL trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and voice assistant integrations. Higher trims included a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim topped it off with wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade's standard system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims provided an 8.4-inch screen with the user-friendly Uconnect system and an optional Kenwood premium audio system.

Nissan emphasized safety for the 2021 Rogue with a comprehensive suite of ADAS under Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a standout blind-spot warning system. While adaptive cruise control was reserved for higher trims, it was enhanced with features like lane-centering assistance and navigation-linked speed adjustments in top trims. The safety architecture incorporated more high-strength steel and innovative crash energy deflection to improve passenger protection.

Despite making several previously optional safety features standard, the 2021 Jeep Renegade earned a slightly lower four-star rating from NHTSA. Features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring became standard, but adaptive cruise control and parking sensors remained optional. The Trailhawk trim did not include the emergency braking system.