2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, from the base version priced at $33,745 to the top-tier King Ranch at $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, with its 4WD, Rapid Red paint, Premium Technology package, and twin-panel sunroof, had an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its high price, the King Ranch's visual differences from other trims were minimal, featuring King Ranch emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long, tall hood and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, making it feel somewhat inconsistent for its price point.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued its mature styling into 2022. It featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and LED fog lamps on higher trims. Active grille shutters and underbody covers improved airflow, while the floating roof and bulging liftgate added to its sleek look. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, giving it a sophisticated appearance. The center console, with its electronic gear selector, provided ample storage space, including a wireless charging pad and a large storage cubby. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned near the driver's eye line, and the instrument panel varied from a 7-inch display on lower trims to a 12.3-inch digital screen on upper trims. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable, and the second row offered good legroom and space for two adults or three in a pinch. Fit and finish were exemplary, especially on the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine had a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Limited trim had an optional hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning up to 27 mpg combined. The ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD, towing up to 5,600 lbs and achieving 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling bumps and off-road terrain well, with the Timberline model offering even better off-road capabilities. For daily driving, the Explorer felt athletic, with the sport-tuned ST trim providing the most engaging experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was enhanced by its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque than the previous 2.5-liter engine. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio mechanically, optimizing power and efficiency based on driving demands. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had good feel and a tight 35.4-foot turning diameter.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was only suitable for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and uncomfortable for long rides. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage in the front door armrests and dashboard. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous places to stash items, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and cubbies in the dash. The Rogue offered USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets in the center stack, along with a wireless charging pad. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area could hold 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of luggage, depending on configuration, and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly in voice recognition and operating features using spoken commands. The King Ranch also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer. An available rear-seat entertainment system included dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade from 2021 carried over, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, 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. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for unlocking the rear doors from the rear door handle, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which was four stars. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver’s hands could be improved.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control, with the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link adding navigation integration for predictive speed control. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.