2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue had undergone a substantial transformation in its exterior design, adopting a more technical and robust appearance that leaned heavily into its SUV credentials. The Rogue showcased dark gray plastic cladding and bold simulated skid plates that wrapped around its lower perimeter, offering a rugged vibe. However, some critics noted that this audacious approach was perhaps too exaggerated, particularly on the back bumper.

The Rogue's modern aesthetic was further enhanced by clean LED lighting elements, a pronounced V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned dimensions. This SUV could also be customized with aluminum wheels of up to 19 inches and optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment, which added a distinct, bespoke appeal. Nissan offered four trims for the 2021 Rogue: the entry-level S, the popular SV, the luxury-leaning SL, and the upscale Platinum, each progressively enhancing the SUV's features and amenities. The Platinum trim, for instance, boasted semi-aniline quilted leather and upscale refinements, while optional packages and all-wheel drive provided additional customization at an extra cost.

The interior of the tested Rogue SL was bright and inviting, featuring Almond color leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. Quality was a focal point, with abundant soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars. Nissan's clean and logical arrangement of controls emphasized user-friendliness. For a more luxurious ambiance, the Platinum trim with quilted semi-aniline leather and ambient lighting was recommended. However, the climate control panel’s digital clock-like appearance from the 1980s and the inclusion of a CD player were notable quirks.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive visual identity without major exterior styling changes. The Defender's boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood harkened back to the original model and classic Series Land Rovers. Modern touches were evident in aerodynamic curves and recessed LED headlights, which provided a contemporary twist to the retro design. The vehicle's larger size compared to the original Defender resulted in improved interior space and ergonomics.

Inside, the Defender emphasized a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. Bare metal and exposed screws in the door panels, along with metal trim on the steering wheel, added authenticity without feeling contrived. The high-end Defender 90 V8 test model featured a mix of leather upholstery and suede, ensuring durability against mud and dirt. Unlike some luxury SUVs, owners wouldn't hesitate to take the Defender off-road, maintaining its utilitarian roots alongside modern comforts.

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue fell short in the power department, which was a notable criticism. The SUV weighed nearly 3,500 pounds yet was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This output was adequate for daily driving, but enthusiasts and adventure-seekers found it lacking. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a decent job of managing the available torque, and paddle shifters tried to inject a sportier feel, although they weren't particularly engaging to use.

Despite its power limitations, the Rogue could be equipped with all-wheel drive, providing up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road to tackle more challenging terrain. Fuel economy was a highlight, with the tested front-wheel-drive (FWD) Rogue SL achieving 27.5 mpg, though it fell 1.5 mpg short of the official EPA rating.

The SUV's ride and handling benefited from a new, more robust architecture composed of 35% high-strength steel, coupled with advanced suspension systems like Brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. A new Vehicle Motion Control system debuted in 2021, predicting driver inputs to enhance overall driving enjoyment. The redesigned electric steering assist moved to the steering rack, quickening the ratio and improving the steering feel significantly compared to the previous generation.

In 2022, the Land Rover Defender offered an array of powertrains tailored to various performance expectations. Base models featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those needing more power, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid engine delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. However, the star of the lineup was the new V8 engine producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Defender 90 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Every Defender came with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The V8-powered models also got an electronic active rear differential, Dynamic drive mode, and unique transmission and suspension tuning for sportier handling. However, while the V8 offered thrilling straight-line performance, it could feel less poised in corners compared to the six-cylinder model.

On-road comfort in the Defender was remarkable, with the suspension effectively soaking up bumps while minimizing road noise, even from the massive 22-inch tires. The SUV’s performance was complemented by solid stability, even under challenging conditions like crosswinds, making it a rare blend of severe off-road prowess and everyday usability. Off-road, the Defender excelled with features like a 4WD system with low range, impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles, and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance with the optional air suspension. An 8,201-pound maximum towing capacity also outshined many other similarly sized luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue aimed to ensure passenger comfort with its improved Zero Gravity seat designs that intended to replicate a neutral spine position, reducing stress and fatigue. Available in various trims, these seats ranged from cloth to high-grade premium leather in the Platinum version. Heated front and rear seats, along with a heated steering wheel, were available on higher trims, although ventilated seats were notably missing despite the brand’s North American headquarters being located in hot Nashville.

The Rogue’s interior was spacious, with rear-seat headroom and legroom being more generous compared to the previous model. Notably, the rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, facilitating easier passenger loading. For families, the Rogue could accommodate up to three child safety seats with its LATCH anchors. Interior noise reduction measures included aerodynamic improvements and acoustic front glass, contributing to a quieter ride.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue was practical, with 31.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats in the S and SV trims. The SL and Platinum trims featured the Divide-N-Hide cargo management system, offering up to 36.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the maximum cargo capacity reached a generous 74.1 cubic feet, making it competitive in the compact SUV segment.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender provided a flexible seating arrangement with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. In the two-door Defender 90, rear seats offered surprising comfort, though accessing them was challenging, and cargo space was limited. Folding the rear seats offered more cargo room, compensating for the tighter interior space. The Defender 110 four-door variant offered more versatility with two-row five-seat or three-row seven-seat configurations. Three-row models provided 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 35.4 cubic feet with the third-row folded and 70.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. In two-row models, cargo space stretched from 18.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up to 51.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Functionality was a key focus in the Defender's interior design. Controls were conveniently placed on a shelf extending from the dashboard, leaving room for a large storage space below. A cavernous center-console storage bin, which could be equipped with refrigeration or replaced with a jump seat, further emphasized practicality. For external cargo, options included a basket-style roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes, catering to the Defender’s adventurous spirit.

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment system, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and satellite radio in the S trim. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, as well as a larger 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Bose premium audio system in higher configurations. Despite functional stubby knobs and small shortcut buttons, the system performed well, with voice recognition providing mostly accurate responses. Top-tier Platinum trim included advanced features like wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

For the 2022 Land Rover Defender, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was standard, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, except on the base model. A new 11.4-inch touchscreen was also available. The interface was user-friendly, though it required a firm touch to respond. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a useful surround-view camera system that aided greatly in off-road scenarios.

Safety was a priority for the 2021 Nissan Rogue, equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) called Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a significant 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. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist, an advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance and enhanced radar and camera systems for better accuracy. However, as of the review period, crash-test ratings were unavailable.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition with speed-limit adaptation. Options included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Unlike some non-luxury brands, many luxury brands, including Land Rover, often made adaptive cruise control optional. Notably, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet published for the Defender.