2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Nissan Rogue wore handsome, new styling with a more technical appearance, making it look more like an SUV than a car. The dark gray plastic cladding covered the Rogue's lower perimeter, and bold, simulated skid plates, as well as lower door protection, conveyed a rugged vibe. The back bumper, however, might have appeared too audacious for some.

Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions lent a modern aesthetic to the Rogue. All trim levels came with aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter. With optional two-tone paint and a black roof treatment, the SUV took on a custom appearance.

The Rogue was available in four versions: Rogue S ($25,650), Rogue SV ($27,340), Rogue SL ($32,000), and Rogue Platinum ($35,430). The Rogue Platinum featured semi-aniline quilted leather and other upscale amenities. All these trims included an additional $1,095 in destination charges.

With factory options like all-wheel drive for $1,400 and Premium option packages for both the SV ($2,660) and SL ($1,320), our test vehicle, an SL trim equipped with the Premium Package and extra-cost paint, had a price of $35,195, including destination charges.

The test vehicle's interior, adorned with an Almond color leather and a panoramic glass sunroof, was light and emphasized improved roominess. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars imparted a sense of quality. However, the Rogue's climate control panel's digital clock-like numbers could appear outdated. Important to note, the Rogue still offered a CD player despite featuring wireless Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, sported a subtle, less flashy look compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade or BMW X7. This reserved styling avoided gaudy grilles and excessive chrome.

For those seeking more visual flair, the AMG GLS 63 and the Maybach GLS 600 elevated the drama with features like flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach version boasted ample chrome and a traditional-looking hood ornament, while offering large 23-inch wheels.

The test GLS 450 had a standard leather interior, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, which imparted a luxurious feel. Intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added a rugged touch. The GLS featured a digital instrument cluster combined with an infotainment touchscreen under one glass, which framed the screens nicely on an upright dashboard.

Overall, the GLS 450's interior felt appropriate for a luxury SUV, albeit a bit too subdued for some tastes. Yet, it maintained high-quality standards without feeling fragile.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue needed more power. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, its only engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This output sufficed for daily driving, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed adequately, feeling more like a traditional automatic thanks to programmed ratios and paddle shifters.

The Rogue showcased a set of additional driving modes, such as Snow and Off-Road, positioning it for light adventurous drives. It offered an all-wheel-drive option, ensuring up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance. During the drive, the Rogue demonstrated a refined ride and handling, partly due to enhancements in architecture, which included 35% high-strength steel.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine alone generated 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor added 21 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque in short bursts.

The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist seamlessly blended in. However, the GLS had suboptimal suspension refinement; despite its standard air suspension, the ride exhibited excessive body motion in corners and bumps. This hindered an otherwise luxurious drive experience.

Mercedes quoted a 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity for the GLS 450, which trailed some competitors like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator with higher towing capabilities.

Nissan’s innovative Zero Gravity seats maximized comfort in the 2021 Rogue. Despite varied opinions, the new design delivered improved comfort, with power adjustments and different upholstery options depending on the trim. However, ventilated seats were notably absent despite sufficient heated seating features and dual or triple-zone climate controls across trims.

The 2021 Rogue saw improved rear-seat access with doors opening to nearly 90 degrees and extended rear-seat accommodations. The interior benefitted from noise reduction enhancements, including acoustic glass and thicker dashboard insulation.

Cargo capabilities were notable as well. While offering a bit less volume than its predecessor, the Rogue maintained generous space with 31.6 cubic feet in S and SV trims and up to 36.5 cubic feet with the Divide-N-Hide system in SL and Platinum trims. With the rear seats down, the Rogue offered a sizeable 74.1 cubic feet.

Comparatively, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class came with a standard seven-seat configuration. An optional six-seat layout replaced the second-row bench with captain’s chairs. The second-row seats, which could slide forward, offered increased legroom, attributed to the vehicle's long wheelbase.

The GLS offered up to 17.4 cubic feet with all seats up, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third row seats folded flat, presenting significant variability. However, the cargo space with all seats in place was limited—a common trade-off in three-row SUVs. Mercedes’ thoughtful features, like power-folding seats and an adaptable air suspension, simplified cargo handling.

Nissan delivered a competitive infotainment package on the 2021 Rogue. The base S trim included an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additionally, the Rogue offered Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant for six months.

Advancing to the SV or SL trims added WiFi hotspot functionality and smart assistant integrations such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bose premium audio system, and advanced voice recognition system came with the SL Premium Package or the Rogue Platinum.

Ultimately, the Platinum trim maxed out technology offerings with wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class' MBUX infotainment system was comprehensive, offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It included essential features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. Optional features extended to a head-up display.

Mercedes provided multiple interaction methods for users, from voice recognition triggered by “Hey Mercedes” to various touchpad controls and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system stood out, being intuitive and responsive to natural speech.

However, the touchpad controller's sensitivity proved cumbersome, complicating use. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature seen in other Mercedes models, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes, which hampered confidence in its guidance.

Additional safety features comprised ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system, with rear pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelts as a segment-first. Higher trims like the SV incorporated ProPilot Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control functions and including lane-centering assistance.

Despite these advancements, initial crash-test results were unavailable, yet the reinforced vehicle architecture optimistically indicated robust crash protection.

Mercedes-Benz loaded the GLS-Class with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with an extra function to avert potential door-opening accidents. Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and the Pre Safe system were also standard, effectively preparing the vehicle for a collision by emitting “pink noise” for ear protection.

However, critical features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and even second-row side airbags were optional. This extended to more high-tech driver-assistance features, necessitating additional costs. Crash test ratings for the GLS were not available at publication.