2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, seven-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty appearance, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced look. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized performance with 20-inch wheels and unique design elements, enhancing its athletic appeal. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with the F Sport adding sporty touches. However, the center stack felt dated, and the seats, especially in the F Sport, lacked comfort, making it challenging to find an ideal driving position.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, following a significant redesign in 2021. It shared design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's exterior featured active grille shutters and underbody covers for improved airflow, while the floating roof design added a sleek touch. Inside, the Rogue's cabin boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The center console, with its electronic gear selector, offered ample storage space, and the infotainment display was positioned for easy access. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the spacious second row accommodated passengers comfortably. Overall, the Rogue impressed with its fit and finish, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX offered all-wheel drive exclusively. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a boost in performance with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, with its variable compression technology, offered improved power and efficiency. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA estimate of 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter added to its maneuverability.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, with a 2/3/2 seating arrangement, provided limited space for passengers and cargo. The RX's cargo space measured 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered only 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a center console bin. 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, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. This generous cargo capacity made the Rogue a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite the 2020 refresh, the screen's positioning remained ergonomically challenging. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a technology upgrade, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue's infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's driver-assist technology, was available, offering features like adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to the vehicle, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights. However, it missed the top-tier "plus" designation due to its headlights rating. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also included ten airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, enhanced the Rogue's safety features with adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the 2021 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.