2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its underpinnings with other Volvo models, offering a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured a sophisticated two-box design with short overhangs and an upright grille adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo. The Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian elegance with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large displays, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design that echoed the styling of other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. The exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The Rogue's cabin embraced a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for storage. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy visibility, and the instrument panel offered a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital screen, depending on the trim. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the spacious second row accommodated passengers with ample legroom. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models delivered 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 models upped the ante with 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushed these figures to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for dynamic adjustments to the compression ratio, optimizing power and efficiency. The Rogue's CVT transmission featured wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feedback. The Rogue's turning diameter of 35.4 feet was notably tight, enhancing maneuverability.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and safety, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that excelled in cold conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, including secure storage in the second row. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in practicality, with numerous storage options in the front cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB ports for charging devices. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which divided the screen into function quadrants for intuitive operation. It offered smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a technology-rich interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating navigation for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to the vehicle.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a safety leader, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo's commitment to safety extended to limiting the top speed to 112 mph.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist offered Level 2 driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.