2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a refreshing and handsome design with a more technical and SUV-like appearance. Dark gray plastic cladding enveloped the SUV’s lower perimeter, with bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection adding a sense of ruggedness, though it could appear slightly too audacious on the rear bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design lent the Rogue a modern aesthetic. All trim levels featured aluminum wheels ranging up to 19 inches in diameter. Opting for the two-tone paint with a black roof treatment gave the Rogue a custom and upscale look.

The Rogue was available in four trims: S ($25,650), SV ($27,340), SL ($32,000), and the new Platinum ($35,430). Additional factory options included all-wheel drive for $1,400 and Premium Packages for the SV ($2,660) and SL ($1,320). The tested Rogue SL, equipped with the Premium Package and extra-cost paint, floor mats, and a cargo area protection package, totaled $35,195.

Inside, the Rogue emphasized roominess with an Almond-colored leather interior and a standard panoramic glass sunroof. Abundant soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars gave a sense of quality. The Platinum trim added quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting for a more luxurious feel. However, the 1980s-style climate control panel and an included CD player juxtaposed with the advanced wireless Apple CarPlay highlighted the mix of old and new technologies.

In comparison, Infiniti gave the 2022 QX60 a complete makeover, introducing a new exterior and interior design, updated powertrains, and advanced technologies. The QX60 sported a dramatic front with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized chrome-laden air intakes. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield added elegance, while blacked-out pillars delivered a floating roof effect. The top-of-the-line Autograph trim featured a contrasting black roof enhancing the design further. Base Pure models had 18-inch wheels, while others offered 20-inch wheels, creating a planted look.

The interior of the QX60 felt wide and open, with horizontal lines and layers emphasizing spaciousness. The Autograph trim showcased quilted leather upholstery on the seats and dash, providing a luxurious touch. A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a TFT instrument panel with crisp graphics highlighted the technological edge. Craftsmanship levels were high as expected from Infiniti, with assembly taking place in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's performance left room for improvement. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, the Rogue felt underpowered, especially when nearly 3,500 pounds in weight. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a decent job of making the best of the available torque, though turbocharging would have been a welcomed addition.

Despite its power shortcomings, the Rogue was beneficial for adventuring with available all-wheel drive, up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes. Though the normally aspirated engine felt sapped in mountainous terrains, the writing was on the wall for a future turbocharged option, possibly like the variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder used in the Altima sedan and Infiniti QX50.

Fuel economy for the test Rogue SL with front-wheel drive stood at 27.5 mpg, a bit short of the EPA rating. The Rogue featured a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and various systems enhancing ride quality and handling. The Vehicle Motion Control debuted to predictively enhance driving enjoyment. The new steering system, with its electric assist moved to the steering rack and a quicker ratio, significantly improved steering feel.

The 2022 Infiniti QX60 enhanced its driving dynamics by ditching the CVT for a nine-speed automatic transmission, which delivered a superior driving experience with crisp and clean shifts. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the naturally aspirated engine felt solid and capable. Fuel economy estimated by the EPA was 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for FWD and slightly lower for AWD models.

An enhanced suspension using MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup in the rear, combined with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, provided a smooth ride. However, the QX60 did not encourage spirited driving due to its size and weight, though passengers in the second and third rows enjoyed ample comfort and space. The focus remained on highway and suburban comforts rather than off-road prowess, despite its Pathfinder roots.

Nissan’s 2021 Rogue incorporated Zero Gravity seat designs aimed at replicating a neutral spine position to reduce fatigue and muscle strain. The improved seats made the new Rogue more comfortable, with various upholstery options across trims. The SV trim and above included heated seats, though ventilated seats were notably absent. Air conditioning varied by trim, ascending to a triple-zone system in the SL and Platinum.

Rear-seat headroom and legroom saw improvements, and nearly 90-degree rear door openings facilitated easier passenger loading. The Rogue could handle three child safety seats in the rear, with a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children behind. Reducing interior noise was achieved with aerodynamic improvements and thicker dashboard insulation.

In terms of cargo space, the Rogue offered versatility with its power rear liftgate and Divide-N-Hide cargo management system. Cargo capacity stood at 31.6 cubic feet for the S and SV trims and expanded to 36.5 cubic feet in SL and Platinum trims, maxing out at 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Infiniti QX60, while almost a luxury minivan in utility, opted for traditional front-hinged doors. The QX60's interior featured extensive storage options, charging ports, and comfort for all passengers. Second-row seats rode on rails for easy space sharing between rows, with captain’s chairs available in the Autograph trim. Access to the third row was user-friendly, and adults could sit comfortably provided shared legroom considerations.

Cargo capacity was commendable: 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. For those needing extra utility, the QX60 could tow up to 6,000 pounds with the towing package, a significant capability for a luxury SUV.

Nissan outfitted the 2021 Rogue with a competitive infotainment package featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included WiFi hotspots, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration, while an SL Premium Package or Platinum trim offered a 9-inch touchscreen, real-time traffic navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system.

Platinum trim added advanced features like wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, ensuring the highest level of tech sophistication.

The 2022 Infiniti QX60 also impressed with its technology offerings. Standard full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and the latest 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display ensured high-tech functionality. The QX60 provided wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, an AT&T WiFi hotspot for seven devices, and multiple USB charge points throughout the cabin.

High-end infotainment features included a 17-speaker Bose system in higher trims, a smart rearview mirror, and an advanced head-up display in Autograph models.

Nissan prioritized safety in the 2021 Rogue, equipping every model with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist was included starting with SV trim, with upgraded versions in higher trims providing additional navigation-linked speed adjustments.

Although new crash-test results were unavailable, improvements in high-strength steel use and crash energy deflection techniques suggested enhanced safety.

The 2022 Infiniti QX60, expected to achieve high safety ratings like its predecessor, came equipped with a thorough suite of safety features. These included a comprehensive array of airbags, forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and ProPilot Assist driver-assistance system. Optional features expanded to include blind-spot intervention, lane-departure systems, and an advanced around-view monitor.