2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue debuted its handsome new styling with a more SUV-like appearance, a stark contrast from its predecessor's car-like facade. Characterized by dark gray plastic cladding along the lower perimeter, simulated skid plates, and bold lower door protection, the Rogue exuded an aura of ruggedness. However, some critics thought the rear bumper took the rugged look a bit too far.

Adding to its modern aesthetic were clean LED lighting elements, Nissan's prominent V-Motion grille, and balanced proportions. Every trim came with aluminum wheels, ranging up to 19 inches in diameter. Opting for the two-tone paint with a black roof treatment provided a custom look, enhancing the Rogue's appeal even further.

The 2021 Rogue came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and the new Platinum, each offering escalating degrees of luxury and technology. The S trim, starting at $25,650, was the entry-level option, while the SV trim, priced at $27,340, quickly became the most popular choice. The SL added a touch of luxury at $32,000, and the Platinum trim topped the range at $35,430, offering semi-aniline quilted leather and other upscale amenities. Additional features like all-wheel drive and premium packages added to the overall cost, with a fully equipped SL trim totaling $35,195, including destination charges.

Inside, our test vehicle featured an Almond-colored leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, providing a light and airy cabin feel. The Rogue's interior was adorned with abundant soft-touch surfaces, attractive simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, creating a premium ambiance. Controls were logically arranged, and the luxurious Platinum trim included quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. However, the climate control display's 1980s digital clock-like numbers raised some eyebrows, and the Rogue still offered a CD player, despite also supporting modern tech like wireless Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 retained its sophisticated charm while undergoing subtle exterior updates for a more aggressive stance. The signature kidney grille grew larger but remained proportional. A quirky black sensor bar between the grilles introduced a unique gap-toothed smile. The slimmed-down adaptive full LED headlights, new vertical air intakes, and redesigned front bumper added to the X3's refreshed look. The rear received new taillights with black surrounds and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, echoing the latest trends.

The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II joining the lineup. Standard 19-inch gray aluminum-alloy wheels matched with all-season run-flat tires adorned the base models, while higher trims offered specialized aero wheels and larger 20- and 21-inch options.

The M Sport Package introduced sportier design elements, including larger front air intakes, a rear diffuser, and additional side air-curtain panels. The package also offered 19-inch Midnight Grey Bicolor light alloys with optional 20- and 21-inch wheels and M Sport brakes with blue or red calipers. The X3 M40i added high-gloss black exterior mirrors, M-designed light-alloy wheels, and more M-themed features.

Inside, the X3 maintained its comfortably luxurious design. Though it didn't match the flashiness of rivals like the Genesis GV70 or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, it impressed with a well-appointed cabin featuring dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The standard SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery could be upgraded to premium Vernasca leather, and a panoramic moonroof added to the open feel of the cabin. The 2022 X3 offered a variety of interior color choices, including black, Canberra beige, cognac, Tacora red for SensaTec, and black, oyster, and mocha for genuine leather.

Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations allowed customization of the cabin ambiance. While not quite extravagant, the X3's interior provided a comfortable and sophisticated environment.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue drew criticism for its lack of power. With a curb weight approaching 3,500 pounds, it relied solely on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This output was considered adequate for daily driving, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) managed the power smoothly. Notably, the CVT used programmed ratios to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, and paddle shifters were provided, although rarely utilized.

Designed for light adventuring, the Rogue offered all-wheel drive (AWD), up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes. However, the naturally aspirated engine struggled in mountainous terrains. During a media event, Nissan hinted at a possible future turbocharged variant, potentially utilizing the same variable-compression turbo 2.0-liter found in the Altima and Infiniti QX50.

Fuel economy for the Rogue SL with front-wheel drive (FWD) was slightly underwhelming, achieving 27.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop, slightly below the EPA rating of 29 mpg combined. Despite this, the Rogue's ride and handling impressed, thanks to its robust new architecture with 35% high-strength steel. The suspension offered a balanced ride, with systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing both ride and handling. Vehicle Motion Control, new for 2021, improved driving dynamics by predicting adjustments based on driver inputs.

The real standout was the Rogue's steering. With the redesign, Nissan moved the electric assist from the steering column to the rack and quickened the ratio, resulting in significantly improved steering feel compared to its predecessor.

In comparison, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a more varied and powerful engine lineup. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The base sDrive30i and xDrive30i variants housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both RWD and AWD models achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was EPA-rated at 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i saw 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined—a minor drop from previous years due to added features.

The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i models held their own in the luxury crossover segment, although their fuel economy was on par with similarly powered competitors. Performance-wise, the base X3 was quick enough for city driving and highway maneuvers, albeit not the most thrilling drive. Nevertheless, it offered a well-rounded package with a comfortable and quiet ride.

For those seeking more excitement, the X3 M40i stepped in with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a new mild-hybrid system. This variant produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, boasting a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i also featured a sportier exhaust system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and a rear-biased AWD system. Despite the added power and performance-oriented features, the mild-hybrid system offered little fuel economy improvement, with ratings of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

While the X3 xDrive30i provided a competent and comfortable drive, the X3 M40i offered a more exhilarating experience. The mild-hybrid system's contribution remained subtle, primarily enhancing smoothness and adding a slight power boost during acceleration.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue made strides in comfort and practicality, building on its predecessor's strengths. Nissan's Zero Gravity seat designs, inspired by a neutral spine position in weightlessness, aimed to reduce stress and fatigue. The improved Zero Gravity seats in the new Rogue felt more spacious and comfortable. The entry-level S trim featured cloth upholstery and manual driver height adjustment, while the SV added eight-way power adjustment and optional leatherette. The SL came with standard leather seats, and the Platinum offered a higher grade of premium leather.

Higher trims also added Quick Comfort heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. However, ventilated seats were notably absent. Standard air conditioning was complemented by dual-zone automatic climate control in the SV trim and a triple-zone system in the SL and Platinum, complete with rear-seat temperature control. Rear air conditioning vents and rear side window sunshades enhanced rear-seat comfort.

The Rogue's rear-seat headroom and legroom saw improvements, with the rear doors opening to nearly 90 degrees for easier passenger loading. The back seat comfortably accommodated adults and children, with LATCH anchors allowing three child safety seats to be installed. A rear-seat reminder system aimed to prevent accidental child left-behind situations.

Nissan also focused on reducing interior noise through aerodynamic improvements, acoustic front glass, and a thicker dashboard insulator. Storage solutions included a space-saving electronic shifter, large door-panel pockets accommodating 32-ounce bottles, and a split butterfly-style center armrest for easier access to the storage bin.

The Rogue offered a power rear liftgate in most trims, with hands-free operation in SL and Platinum models. Cargo capacity was 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV trims, while the SL and Platinum featured the Divide-N-Hide cargo management system, increasing capacity to 36.5 cubic feet. Folding the rear seats down expanded the cargo area to 74.1 cubic feet, competitive within the compact crossover segment. The cargo floor bins could hold one-gallon jugs, further enhancing practicality.

The 2022 BMW X3 also excelled in comfort and practicality. Seating for five adults was possible, with the caveat that the rear middle seat was more suitable for smaller passengers. The rear 40/20/40-split seats provided ample legroom, even with the front seats pushed back. Rear-seat occupants appreciated the spaciousness, despite occasional forgetfulness from the front seat occupants.

When it came to cargo space, the X3 delivered with a roomy trunk that accommodated backpacks, film equipment, and potentially even additional carry-on suitcases. A standard power tailgate, with the option for hands-free operation, added convenience. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, but the upgraded Vernasca leather added more softness and pliability. The adjustable thigh-support cushion benefited taller drivers, though its control handle could be intrusive for some.

The X3's redesigned center console resembled newer BMW models, offering a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen with an optional upgrade to 12.3 inches. Push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and heated seat functions were conveniently placed below the center air vents, followed by audio controls. The gear selector, iDrive controller knob, and driving function buttons were redesigned for improved ergonomics, with a matte finish on buttons reducing smudges.

While the 2021 Rogue boasted a cargo volume of up to 74.1 cubic feet, the 2022 X3 offered a similarly spacious cargo area, emphasizing its practicality as a family-friendly compact crossover.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue provided a competitive infotainment package. The base S trim included an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a six-month trial to Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant. The system's usability was enhanced by power/volume and station-tuning knobs, though their design made them slightly hard to grasp. Glossy plastic finishes didn't help in this regard. Menu shortcut buttons along the bottom of the display facilitated easy access to common functions.

Moving up to the SV or SL trim added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. NissanConnect Services featured remote engine starting, automatic collision notification, vehicle speed and boundary alerts, and a car finder function, all requiring a subscription after the trial periods.

The SL Premium Package and the Platinum trim included a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, door-to-door navigation with real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, an upgraded voice recognition system, and a Bose premium audio system. Our test vehicle featured this setup, which worked well despite the small knobs and shortcut buttons. The voice recognition system performed accurately, and the Bose audio system delivered good sound quality.

The Platinum trim also added advanced technology, including wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics as standard. This included a 5.1-inch color instrument panel display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a range of connected digital features like an in-car personal assistant, music apps, over-the-air updates, real-time traffic, roadside assistance, and emergency services.

Optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and offered a fully digital experience. The maps were updated to cloud-based navigation for improved accuracy and functionality. Redundant controls allowed in-car functions to be managed through the steering wheel, voice activation, or the iDrive controller.

The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded in M40i models to a Harman Kardon surround sound system, producing 600 watts through 16 speakers. Other tech options included the Convenience Package for sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, adding comfort access keyless entry, hands-free tailgate operation, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support—all standard on the X3 M40i trim. The Premium Package added the Convenience Package features plus a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

Safety was paramount for the 2021 Nissan Rogue, targeting small crossover buyers often considering family sedans. Each 2021 Rogue came equipped with a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and most notably, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. This approach provided better safety coverage than competitors that often missed out on blind-spot systems in the base trim.

The Rogue also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Nissan claimed to be the first mainstream compact SUV to offer rear pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelts. Platinum trim added an airbag that deployed between the driver and front passenger for further injury mitigation.

Starting with the SV trim, Nissan included ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. New radar and camera systems improved this system's accuracy and smoothness. Furthermore, the stop-and-go function in heavy traffic allowed the Rogue to resume travel after stopping for up to 30 seconds. The SV trim also included a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.

With the SL Premium Package and Platinum trim, Nissan offered an upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology, using navigation data and GPS coordinates to adjust speed for curves and freeway junctions automatically. While this improved system worked better than its predecessor, occasional unanticipated behavior and frequent audible notifications were noted.

At the time of this review, crash-test results for the new Rogue were unavailable. However, the increased use of high-strength steel and engineering focused on crash energy deflection indicated a strong safety performance.

The 2022 BMW X3 boasted a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest score. While crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were not available, the X3 had previously been named a Top Safety Pick+ for model years 2018 to 2021. The 2022 model added more safety features and driver-assistance systems.

Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems like seatbelt tensioners and automatic window closures.

The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The updated Driving Assistant Professional Package added traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance. The Active Driving Assistant combined adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and active lane-keep assist.