2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Volvo XC40

Design played a crucial role in distinguishing the 2021 Volvo XC40 and the 2021 Nissan Rogue. The XC40 sported traditional SUV styling, characterized by a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. The front end bore familial Volvo cues such as the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models featured a white contrasting roof option for a retro look, while the XC40 Recharge electric variant had distinctive elements like a blanked-off grille, gloss black roof, and model-specific alloy wheels. Its interior was minimalist yet luxurious, combining Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with high-quality metal trims that created a coherent and premium environment.

Conversely, the 2021 Rogue adopted a more rugged and technical SUV appearance. Emphasized by dark gray plastic cladding, skid plates, aluminum wheels up to 19 inches, and an optional black roof treatment, the Rogue appeared adventure-ready. The trim levels varied from the base Rogue S to the luxurious Rogue Platinum. The test vehicle, a Rogue SL, exhibited a light, bright Almond color leather interior, showcased by a panoramic glass sunroof, and adorned with simulated wood trims and other soft-touch materials. Nissan’s arrangement of controls contributed to the cabin's orderly and functional feel.

Volvo provided a three-tiered powertrain lineup for the 2021 XC40, while Nissan limited the 2021 Rogue to a single engine choice. The XC40's gasoline options consisted of a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The FWD T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque; the AWD T5 variant generated 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge electric model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge's 0-60 mph sprint took 4.7 seconds, outperforming many competitors in its segment. Despite high performance, the XC40 focused on traditional luxury with superior ride quality and comfort.

In comparison, the Nissan Rogue's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Though adequate for daily driving, this output struggled in more demanding scenarios. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, offering programmed ratios and paddle shifters, but still lacked the dynamic feel some competitors offered. The Rogue shined with its driving modes—Standard, Sport, Snow, and Off-Road—and its 8.2 inches of ground clearance. This configuration highlighted its suitability for various terrains, despite not being specifically engineered for high-speed performance. A fuel economy average of 27.5 mpg was slightly off the official EPA ratings but still commendable given the vehicle's weight and class.

Although the XC40 Recharge had identical passenger and cargo space to its gasoline counterparts, it wasn't particularly roomy compared to competitors. The interior, though high-quality, offered less legroom and headroom compared to vehicles like the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. Innovative storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin, door bins, and a strategically designed storage cubby, partially compensated for limited space.

The Nissan Rogue, however, focused greatly on comfort with its improved Zero Gravity seats available in various materials across trims. Interior dimensions were more generous than before, providing ample headroom and legroom. Convenience was accentuated by nearly 90-degree rear door openings, rear-seat reminder systems, and thoughtful storage spaces including door-panel pockets for large bottles and multipurpose center consoles. Cargo capacity varied slightly by trim, yet the Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet with the Divide-N-Hide system in the SL and Platinum trims, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded down, rendering it one of the leaders in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 XC40 Recharge introduced Android Automotive OS, emphasizing Google integration with features like Google Assistant and Google Maps. With a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the interface was top-notch though potentially off-putting to those not fond of Google's ecosystem. The Recharge also featured OTA update capabilities, adding future-proof convenience. Traditional gasoline models retained the previous infotainment system without OTA updates.

For the 2021 Rogue, Nissan extended a robust infotainment suite starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. The SL Premium Package introduced a larger 9-inch touchscreen, real-time navigation, and a Bose audio system. Notably, the Premium Package included wireless Apple CarPlay and a more responsive voice recognition system, although the physical user interface elements like knobs and buttons could be more ergonomic.

The 2021 XC40 achieved a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for its gasoline models. Safety features were abundant, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Recharge variant promised similar safety with additional sensor suites and OTA updates for future improvements.

Nissan prioritized safety with the Rogue, bundling essential ADAS features under Nissan Safety Shield 360. Adaptive cruise control was standard from the SV trim upward, complemented by the updated ProPilot Assist system, which included lane-centering and Navi-link technology in higher trims. Ten airbags and a unique rear-seat reminder system underscored Nissan’s commitment to passenger safety.