2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a fresh, technical appearance that emphasized its SUV identity. With dark gray plastic cladding and bold simulated skid plates, it exuded a rugged charm, though some might have found the rear bumper a bit too audacious. The clean LED lighting, prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design gave it a modern aesthetic, enhanced by optional two-tone paint with a black roof. Available in four trims, the Rogue offered a range of features from the entry-level S to the luxurious Platinum, which included semi-aniline quilted leather and upscale amenities. The interior of the Rogue SL test vehicle was bright and roomy, featuring an Almond color leather interior and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin boasted soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, contributing to a sense of quality. The controls were logically arranged, and the Platinum trim offered a truly luxurious feel with quilted leather and ambient lighting. Despite some retro elements like the climate control panel's digital clock-like numbers, the Rogue was technologically up-to-date with features like wireless Apple CarPlay.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetic size and distinctive styling. Its massive grille, LED lights, and tall hood gave it a locomotive-like front end, setting it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The 22-inch wheels seemed small against the vast sheet metal, emphasizing the Escalade's bulk. The SUV offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with bright exterior trim for Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, and darkened trim for the Sport model. Sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal despite its rugged underpinnings. The interior featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, though it lacked a cohesive design theme. While the materials were generally nice, some cheap-looking plastic bits detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, while competent for daily driving, was noted for its need for more power. It was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which was adequate but not thrilling. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, with programmed ratios that mimicked a traditional automatic, and paddle shifters were available for a more engaging drive. The Rogue's all-wheel drive, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road made it capable of light adventuring. During testing, the Rogue SL with front-wheel drive achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The SUV's ride and handling were praised, with a robust architecture and advanced suspension systems contributing to a smooth and athletic feel. The new steering system, with its improved electric assist and quicker ratio, provided a significantly better driving experience than previous models.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 277 horsepower and the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The diesel engine, tested for this review, delivered smooth power and a low torque peak, making it effective for various driving situations. However, the brake pedal felt overly firm. The gasoline engine had a slight towing advantage, with a capacity of 8,200 pounds, though this was less than the Lincoln Navigator's capability. The Escalade's ride was less refined than expected, with its body-on-frame construction and large wheels contributing to an unsettled feel. Despite independent rear suspension and available air suspension, the ride was not as comfortable as some competitors. The Escalade lacked off-road capability compared to its GM cousins, making it less suitable for rugged adventures.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured improved Zero Gravity seats, offering comfort across its trim levels, with options for cloth, leatherette, and premium leather upholstery. The SUV provided generous rear-seat headroom and legroom, with rear doors opening to nearly 90 degrees for easy access. The Rogue could accommodate up to three child safety seats, thanks to new LATCH anchors. Interior noise was reduced through aerodynamic improvements and acoustic materials. Storage was practical, with a new electronic shifter freeing up space and door-panel pockets accommodating large water bottles. The Rogue offered a power rear liftgate and a Divide-N-Hide cargo management system, with cargo space ranging from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet, and a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, boasted a spacious cabin with the most first-row and third-row legroom in its class. The standard version measured 211.9 inches long, while the extended ESV was 227 inches. The Escalade offered ample cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 63.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down. However, the raised center console limited storage space for loose items. The Escalade featured 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support, though the seats felt similar to those in its GM cousins. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, and large sun visors for the expansive side-window glass.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a competitive infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the S trim. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and smart assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim also included wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. The system was user-friendly, though the knobs and buttons could be challenging to use due to their design.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with functional and visually appealing icons. The Escalade included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and physical toggles for climate control. However, the radio station carousel and rotary controller were less intuitive. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror offered a clear view without blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, augmented-reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, though the latter was challenging to tune.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue also had ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder. Adaptive cruise control was standard on the SV trim and above, with an improved ProPilot Assist system offering lane-centering assistance. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim featured an upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology for enhanced speed adjustment. While crash-test results were unavailable, the Rogue's increased use of high-strength steel and engineering improvements suggested strong crash protection.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came standard with driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. While the system occasionally disengaged unexpectedly, it provided smooth and natural responses. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.