2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Nissan Rogue made quite an impression with its handsome styling and technical appearance. Sporting a true SUV look, it featured dark gray plastic cladding along its lower perimeter, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection. This combination of elements gave the Rogue a rugged aura, albeit a bit audaciously on the rear bumper. Clean LED lighting, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned body design lent it a thoroughly modern aesthetic. The optional two-tone paint finish, especially with a black roof treatment, further added to its custom visual appeal.

Four distinct versions of the Rogue were available: the base S, the popular SV, the slightly more luxurious SL, and the fully equipped Platinum trim. Each offered a range of features, from aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter to sophisticated interior treatments like semi-aniline quilted leather in the Platinum trim.

Our tested Rogue SL featured a light and spacious Almond color leather interior, accentuated by a standard panoramic glass sunroof. Soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars instilled a sense of quality. However, the old-school digital clock-like numbers on the climate control panel and the presence of a CD player did juxtapose oddly with modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay.

Conversely, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was all about functionality wrapped in a minivan shell, which might not attract everyone's interest. However, it offered a unique combination of utility and eco-friendliness. Available in base Touring L, Limited, and top-tier Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid started at a higher price point but also included more technological and luxury features.

Though not visually striking, even with the addition of the S Appearance Package, the Pacifica Hybrid’s interior boasted quality black Nappa leather. However, its flowing, rounded design felt soft and somewhat dated compared to contemporary designs. The minivan embraced its identity, focusing on delivering utility without trying to masquerade as something else.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Nissan Rogue left a little to be desired, powered by a 181-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Weighing in at nearly 3,500 pounds, the engine provided adequate power for daily driving, but a more substantial powertrain would have offered better performance, especially during adventurous escapades. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a good job of leveraging available torque, and with AWD, the Rogue offered up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, along with new Snow and Off-Road driving modes. It achieved 27.5 mpg during our testing, slightly below the EPA rating.

Despite the power shortage, Nissan optimized the Rogue’s ride and handling, thanks to a new, robust architecture. The strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth, predictable, and athletic drive. The real highlight was the new steering system, which was significantly improved over the previous Rogue model.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid delivered a more compelling powertrain experience. Combining a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, it boasted a total system output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in both electric-only and hybrid modes, with the electric drive system providing immediate torque and a 32-mile range on a fully charged battery.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s performance was both smooth and efficient. On a mixed driving loop, it achieved an impressive 37.1 mpg. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, adding to the overall driving comfort. However, it did lack excitement, driving more like a functional appliance with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and subdued cornering grip.

Nissan's strength showed in the Rogue through its interior comfort and functionality. The Zero Gravity seats, part of Nissan's attempt to reduce stress on the body during long drives, were notably improved in the 2021 model. The eight-way power adjustment and leather upholstery in higher trims added to the comfort. Heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system were available, contributing to a cozy cabin environment. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were generous, facilitated by rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees for ease of access. The Rogue offered up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded, making it competitive in the compact crossover segment.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, with its minivan design, provided superior interior space and comfort. Offering more in terms of rear-seat comfort and cargo space than the Rogue, it was designed for family utility. The second and third rows were spacious, with plenty of legroom and comfort-enhancing features like their own climate control panel and side window sunshades. The Hybrid had 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and an impressive 140.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows removed. Given these figures, it easily trumped the Rogue in terms of cargo capacity.

In the technology department, the 2021 Nissan Rogue came well-equipped. Even the base model offered an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The top Platinum trim provided a larger 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, an upgraded voice recognition system, and a Bose premium audio system. Platinum models also included advanced tech like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was not to be outdone. It debuted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with superior graphics, a user-friendly interface, and rapid response times. It allowed for five user profiles and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured the FamCam overhead camera system for keeping an eye on rear-seat passengers. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and the available Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system were notable additions. While the Uconnect 5 system’s voice recognition had its shortcomings, the overall infotainment package was robust and user-friendly.

Safety was a significant focus for both vehicles. The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology for autonomous driving assist functions, and additional safety features like an airbag between the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also excelled in safety, claiming to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and lane-keeping assist. However, its adaptive cruise control needed refinement in recognizing departing vehicles and managing speed when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica Hybrid received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it got four stars for frontal-impact protection.