2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Nissan Rogue donned handsome new styling with a more technical appearance, emphasizing its SUV demeanor over a car-like look. Dark gray plastic cladding adorned the Rogue's lower perimeter, while bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection added ruggedness, potentially appealing audaciously on its rear bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and proper proportions gave the 2021 Rogue a modern aesthetic. Each trim level featured aluminum wheels, with sizes up to 19 inches, and optional two-tone paint combined with a black roof treatment lent a customized look.

The Rogue offered four variants: the entry-level S priced at $25,650, the popular SV at $27,340, the slightly luxurious SL at $32,000, and the Platinum trim at $35,430 with semi-aniline quilted leather and other upscale amenities. An additional destination charge of $1,095 applied to each. All-wheel drive cost an extra $1,400, and Premium option packages were available. Our test vehicle, a Rogue SL, included the Premium Package, extra-cost paint, floor mats, and a cargo area protection package, totaling $35,195.

Inside, the test Rogue SL featured an Almond color leather interior with a panoramic glass sunroof, creating a light and spacious atmosphere. The interior exuded quality with abundant soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars. Controls were arranged in a clean and logical manner. The Platinum trim took luxury up a notch with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Though the Rogue's climate control numbers had an old-school digital clock look, the presence of a CD player alongside wireless Apple CarPlay demonstrated a blend of retro and modern technologies.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe embraced a design that wasn't offensively styled or proportioned. Our test model in Selenite Gray paint with 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and polished brightwork had an appearance akin to an athletic sneaker from certain angles. Mercedes had reduced its V8-powered models for 2022, and the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe with its 603-horsepower engine wasn't an option. However, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, priced at $77,800 excluding the $1,050 destination charge, remained available. Our sample vehicle with nearly every feature tipped the scales at over $100,000.

Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials and a modern, high-tech appearance with dual-screen instrumentation. The model we tested had the finest Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim adding contrast to the dark cabin. At night, ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience. Though it had a facade of simplicity, the vehicle's evident complexity could be daunting for newcomers. Despite this, acclimatization was achievable with usage, and unnecessary distractions during operation were minimal.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue needed more power. At nearly 3,500 pounds, the only engine choice was a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This output was adequate for daily use, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) doing a decent job at harnessing the available torque. The CVT, programmed with ratios to approximate a traditional automatic, included paddle shifters, even if they saw little use.

With available all-wheel drive and up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, the Rogue was built for light adventuring. Its Snow and Off-Road driving modes enhanced its off-beaten-path capabilities. However, with limited engine power, climbing mountains felt challenging. A media event suggested a potential turbocharged future for the Rogue, predicting it might adopt the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine used in the Altima and Infiniti QX50.

If power was imperative before a potential turbocharged model, the Rogue's Standard mode could be switched to Sport, making driving dynamics feel more responsive. Meanwhile, the Eco drive mode aimed for fuel-saving efficiency. With front-wheel drive, the tested Rogue SL achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below the official EPA rating.

The Rogue's robust new architecture, composed of 35% high-strength steel, featured strut front and multi-link rear suspensions fortified by brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control systems. A new Vehicle Motion Control system added ride satisfaction by predicting ways to improve driving based on accelerator, steering, and braking inputs. The Rogue’s improved electric steering significantly enhanced its feel and response.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm. It included an EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system to add extra power or conserve fuel when needed. The GLE 53 Coupe delivered 18.5 mpg, close to the EPA’s 19 mpg combined estimate.

The AMG GLE 53 Coupe's performance was refined with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered various driving modes including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, adapting through an AMG sport exhaust system. Performance optimizations included AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll stabilization and AMG Performance brakes.

Urban driving benefited from the GLE Coupe’s speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering, facilitating easy turns and tight maneuvering. However, the AMG Performance braking system could be challenging to smooth out in traffic. The AMG ride control comfortably tackled speed humps at moderate speeds but was less forgiving on rougher surfaces. Overall, the GLE Coupe was nimble yet sufficiently comfortable on highways with reserved high performance available.

Switching to Sport+ mode, the GLE 53 Coupe excelled on demanding roads like Deer Creek Canyon, where the AWD powertrain demonstrated its prowess in rapid elevations. Descending similarly difficult routes, upgraded brakes, and performance tires maintained high grip and zero brake fade, with suspension minimizing body motion.

Despite its size and weight posing challenges on tight turns, the GLE’s Sport+ mode was engaging yet loud, but the milder Sport mode delivered a balanced, rewarding drive.

Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat designs in the 2021 Rogue aimed for a neutral spine position to reduce fatigue and strain. Improved from the previous generation, the new seats felt more substantial. The S came with cloth seats, the SV offered eight-way power adjustment and optional leatherette, the SL had standard leather, and the Platinum featured premium leather.

Comfort features included Quick Comfort heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Air conditioning was standard, with dual-zone automatic climate control on SV, and triple-zone on SL and Platinum. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were more generous than before, with rear doors opening to nearly 90 degrees for easier access. Rear seats accommodated three child safety seats due to new LATCH anchors. Noise reduction features like acoustic front glass and dashboard insulator improved cabin quietness, while conveniently placed storage spaces enhanced usability.

A power rear liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum, featuring hands-free operation. The Rogue S and SV offered 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the SL and Platinum with Divide-N-Hide cargo management system provided up to 36.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, the maximum cargo volume was 74.1 cubic feet, keenly competitive within the segment.

In the 2022 GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, the rear space was best for four adults or three children. Front seats were impressive with numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Forward visibility was adequate but rear visibility was limited, necessitating reliance on available cameras.

The rear seat offered spacious legroom for adults, and the cargo hold provided 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Although less than a standard GLE, the cargo space was decent for a coupe SUV. Additional luxury features included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and an Air Balance fragrance system.

Nissan’s 2021 Rogue included a competitive infotainment system. The S model came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-month Nissan Concierge trial. Knobs for volume and tuning, while helpful, were slightly difficult to use due to their size and glossy finishes. SV and SL trims added NissanConnect Services with a WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote engine starting. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim featured a 9-inch display, door-to-door navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. Platinum trim added wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2022 GLE Coupe’s Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) system came standard with dual 12.3-inch screens for digital instruments and infotainment. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless charging, and a Burmester surround-sound system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition, but the center console touchpad could be problematic. Optional technology included MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured comprehensive advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella, including forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control was standard from the SV trim upwards. Ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder were standard. Platinum trim included an additional front-center airbag. An enhanced ProPilot Assist system with Navi-link was introduced for smoother and more accurate guidance.

The 2022 GLE Coupe included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It featured Pre Safe Sound, emitting a “pink noise” tone before a collision to protect hearing, and Emergency Call Service. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 more systems like Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The unresponsive driver detection system could bring the SUV to a stop and initiate an SOS call. However, the adaptive cruise control’s route-based speed adaption function could be annoying.