2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Jeep Compass

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue showcased a fresh design that infused it with a distinctly modern and rugged SUV aesthetic. The Rogue's refined, technical appearance included dark gray plastic cladding along its lower perimeter and bold simulated skid plates, significantly adding to its muscular look. The rear bumper might have seemed a bit too ambitious for some tastes, but it certainly didn’t lack character.

This refreshed model integrated clean LED lighting elements and a prominent V-Motion grille, resulting in a strikingly modern exterior. Aluminum wheels ranged up to 19 inches in diameter, with optional two-tone paint and a black roof treatment giving it a unique, customized air.

The 2021 Rogue came in four trim levels. The entry-level Rogue S started at $25,650, the most popular Rogue SV at $27,340, the more luxurious Rogue SL at $32,000, and the top-tier Rogue Platinum at $35,430. These prices excluded an additional $1,095 in destination charges. Our test vehicle was a Rogue SL, fully equipped with the Premium Package, extra-cost paint, and a floor mats and cargo area protection package, totaling $35,195.

Inside, the Rogue SL featured an Almond color leather interior with a panoramic glass sunroof. The interior design impressed with abundant soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars. The layout of controls was both clean and logical. For an even more luxurious experience, the Platinum trim offered quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting.

However, there were a few quirks, such as the retro-styled numerics on the climate control panel that resembled 1980s digital clocks. Additionally, while the vehicle still included a CD player, it embraced modern tech with the availability of wireless Apple CarPlay.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Jeep Compass retained much of its exterior look since the 2017 redesign, appearing like a shrunken Grand Cherokee. The updated model came with new wheel designs; our High Altitude test model sported sophisticated 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that seamlessly matched the vehicle's dark, sparkly paint, elevating its upscale vibe.

The interior received significant refinements, notably with the new High Altitude trim. A refreshed dashboard design, updated digital instrumentation, and a new infotainment system combined with luxury-grade leather seats and enhanced soundproofing made the Compass more convincing as a premium SUV.

The High Altitude trim was the priciest Compass variant in 2022, with the range starting from the base Sport trim and escalating through the Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, to the High Altitude, priced from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. Our test model, complete with standard AWD and option packages like the Elite Interior Group and Driver Assist Group 1, reached an MSRP of $40,470.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Nissan Rogue fell short in the power department. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm—adequate for everyday driving but underwhelming for more demanding tasks. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a smooth experience by mimicking traditional automatic transmission behavior and offering paddle shifters.

The Rogue's setup, while sufficient for city driving, struggled in mountainous or off-road terrains where the normally aspirated engine felt underpowered. Despite this, its ride quality was commendable, thanks to a robust new architecture and advanced suspension systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which enhanced overall driving dynamics. During testing, the Rogue SL with FWD averaged 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 29 mpg combined.

Jeep's 2022 Compass powered through with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. Jeep's "Tigershark" engine moniker belied its actual temperament, seemingly more suited for leisurely drives rather than vigorous acceleration. Despite featuring a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Compass' powertrain often felt unresponsive, particularly under acceleration or during stop-start conditions. The CVT-free setup might have been a relief, yet the transmission's penchant for maximizing fuel efficiency made urban driving cumbersome.

The Compass included standard Jeep Selec-Terrain with various driving modes and an active AWD system capable of directing all power to the rear wheels as needed. This configuration, aimed at optimizing fuel efficiency and slightly aiding off-road performance with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, resulted in a combined average of 23.8 mpg during testing, short of its EPA rating of 25 mpg.

For more rigorous off-road excursions, the Trailhawk trim was the go-to choice, boasting enhanced capabilities with a different AWD system, higher ground clearance at 8.6 inches, hill descent control, and skid plates.

Nissan's 2021 Rogue excelled in ensuring comfort with its Zero Gravity seat designs, which were noticeably more comfortable than previous versions. These seats, featured in cloth at the base S trim and upholstered in premium leather for the Platinum trim, offered excellent ergonomic support. The Rogue's upscale models included Quick Comfort heated seats and advanced climate control systems, though oddly, ventilated seats were not an option.

The rear-seat space improved with generous headroom and legroom, and the almost 90-degree rear door opening facilitated easy access. The Rogue could also accommodate up to three child safety seats, thanks to center LATCH anchors, along with a rear-seat reminder system.

Cargo space in the Rogue ranged from 31.6 cubic feet in S and SV trims to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. Folding the rear seats expanded the capacity to 74.1 cubic feet, quite competitive for the segment.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Compass presented a more mixed bag regarding space and functionality. Its dimensions were on the smaller end for the compact SUV category, adequate for four adults with some luggage but limited in extra capacity. The High Altitude trim sought to elevate the Compass into premium territory with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. A redesigned, softer dashboard and improved infotainment system further emphasized its luxury aspirations.

Cargo capacity in the Compass was slightly lower than the Rogue, with 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet when folded down. Although Jeep touted a larger center console with around double the previous storage, the overall space remained snug compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came well-prepared for the tech-demanding customer. The base S model featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a free trial to Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and a WiFi hotspot. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim included a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, GPS navigation, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim further enhanced tech offerings with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

Jeep's 2022 Compass upped the ante with its new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Standard features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 10.1 inches, with customization options and the ability to pair two devices via Bluetooth. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, an Amazon Alexa skill, and satellite radio. Over-the-air updates promised to keep the system current over its lifespan. The Compass also offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.

Although Jeep's voice recognition system was generally fast and accurate, it occasionally struggled with specific requests, like locating the nearest hospital. Despite these hiccups, Uconnect 5 proved highly responsive and versatile, maintaining a strong competitive edge.

Nissan positioned the 2021 Rogue as a fortress of safety, integrating a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This suite included essential features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and notably, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, which outshone competitors' inclusion of adaptive cruise control. ProPilot Assist, available from the SV trim upward, offered enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and a surround-view camera system.

Nissan also equipped the Rogue with ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and rear-seat reminder functionality. For Platinum trims, an additional airbag deploying between the driver and front passenger added further protection.

The 2022 Jeep Compass also saw safety feature enhancements, standardizing forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, bundled into the upcoming Highway Assist package, strengthened highway driving confidence.

Our testing found Jeep's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems dependable but noted excessive lane-keep assist at lower speeds and overly cautious forward-collision warnings. While crash-test ratings specific to the 2022 model were unavailable, the Compass maintained a three-star rollover resistance rating, with improvements needed in headlight performance.