2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. The XC90 retained Volvo's recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring matte-finish wood trim and an optional wool upholstery, creating a restrained yet luxurious cabin environment.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued the model's evolution with a more mature and sophisticated exterior design. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The Rogue's interior followed a layered dash design trend, with contrasting colors and surfaces in different trim levels. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, a wireless charging pad, and ample storage space. The Rogue's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row provided comfort for passengers, while the fit and finish, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for most models, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, which produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, allowing it to adjust the compression ratio for better power or efficiency as needed. The Rogue's new engine improved its performance and fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and optional backrest massage for the front seats. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console bin and minimal console storage options. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also offered a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and cubbies in the dash. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. It also had two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trim levels. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands for navigation and offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, allowing for predictive speed control based on road conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles, although it struggled with highway curves.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trim levels, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added predictive speed control based on navigation data. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.