2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's exterior was a blend of classic Range Rover elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, with modern touches like pop-out door handles and flush door handles. The vehicle's proportions, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, gave it a sporty yet refined appearance. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek and stylish, featuring high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. Despite being a base trim, the interior maintained a sense of luxury with its sharp graphics on the three screens and attractive seat patterns.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue presented a more mature and sophisticated look compared to its predecessors. The exterior design borrowed elements from other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The floating roof and slightly bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue's cabin was thoughtfully designed with a layered dash and ample storage options. The center console featured an electronic gear selector, freeing up space for additional storage. The Rogue's interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, which boasted high-quality materials.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a vehicle that handled and steered with precision. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to a smoother ride, even on the standard coil-sprung suspension. The Velar offered a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine provided average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered impressive performance, with up to 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a new CVT, improved the Rogue's performance and fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter made maneuvering easy. While the Rogue lacked a manual transmission option, its performance was lively and responsive, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs and only slightly roomier than compact SUVs. The stylish exterior design compromised headroom and visibility, with thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was limited, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design also included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was not intuitive. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user interface, making it faster and easier to use.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and functionality. The front cabin offered numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies. Rear-seat passengers also had access to storage and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, with 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Rogue's design prioritized practicality and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a simplified layout with logical arrangements. The system featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system provided intelligent route suggestions, while the 360-degree cameras offered a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. However, the adaptive cruise control with steering assist was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite was impressive, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to the vehicle, enhancing the Rogue's family-friendly features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with standard features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also offered ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist enhanced the safety features, providing a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.