2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a fresh, handsome design with a more technical appearance, making it resemble an SUV rather than a car. Its exterior featured dark gray plastic cladding along the lower perimeter, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection, which added a rugged touch, albeit a bit audaciously on the rear bumper. The clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned body gave the Rogue a modern aesthetic. All trim levels came with aluminum wheels, up to 19 inches in diameter, and the optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment provided a custom look. The interior of the Rogue was light and bright, thanks to the Almond color leather and panoramic glass sunroof, emphasizing its improved roominess. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars contributed to a sense of quality, while the controls were arranged in a clean and logical fashion.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary, maintaining a similar look to its predecessor with a broad rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal. The most significant change was at the rear, where the old square taillights were replaced with thin LED strips integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its mass, accentuating its presence, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. The materials quality was excellent, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements, and the cabin exuded a luxurious feel, comparable to more expensive Maybach or Bentley alternatives.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. While adequate for daily driving, the engine struggled with the SUV's nearly 3,500-pound weight, especially in mountainous terrains. 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 offered all-wheel drive, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Fuel economy was decent, with the tested Rogue SL achieving 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The Rogue's ride and handling were commendable, thanks to a new architecture with 35% high-strength steel, a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and advanced control systems. The steering was notably improved, providing a better feel and response.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, impressive for an SUV weighing nearly 6,000 pounds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Standard rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The ride quality was smooth, with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured improved Zero Gravity seats, offering comfort with cloth upholstery in the S trim and leather in higher trims. The SV trim added eight-way power adjustment, while the SL and Platinum trims included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Rogue's interior was quieter, thanks to aerodynamic improvements and acoustic front glass. Storage was practical, with a new electronic shifter freeing up space under the center console and door-panel pockets accommodating large water bottles. The Rogue offered 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the S and SV trims, expanding to 36.5 cubic feet with the SL and Platinum trims. The maximum cargo volume was 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, among the largest in the compact crossover segment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls, sunshades, and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 93 cubic feet behind the front seats. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment package, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto in the S trim. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim also included wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This 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 assistance was standard on the SV trim and above, with an upgraded version available on the SL Premium Package and Platinum trim.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The surround-view cameras were particularly useful for off-roading. While the Range Rover was adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional features like advanced high beams and emergency stop functions.