2022 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue had evolved significantly since its initial launch in 2007. By the time the 2022 model rolled off production lines, Nissan had made the Rogue grow up in terms of styling, trading its previous "cute" design for a more mature, sophisticated look. This model boasted several exterior design cues similar to other Nissan vehicles, such as the Pathfinder. The Rogue had a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights positioned for both main and daytime lighting, and active grille shutters designed to improve airflow. The floating roof, an illusion created by dark supporting pillars, added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dashboard with distinct horizontal layers available in contrasting colors, providing a sophisticated and detailed aesthetic.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Ford Bronco showcased a rugged, retro style that was both functional and visually appealing. The Bronco returned with models like the Everglades, featuring swamp-trekking capabilities with an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco’s design was influenced heavily by its off-road capabilities. Short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and tall ride height were all critical features. The façade included recovery hooks, removable fender flares, a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate, and modular construction which made customization simple. On the interior, the Bronco emphasized utility with sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, drain plugs, and a rugged look. The G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Terrain) added to its appeal for off-road enthusiasts.

Performance was a significant area where the 2022 Nissan Rogue saw notable improvements. While previous models had neither disappointed nor excited, the introduction of the VC-Turbo engine in the 2022 model was a game-changer. This 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, offering an 11% horsepower increase and 24% more torque compared to the 2021 model. The engine's Variable Compression (VC) technology could adjust the combustion chamber size based on power demand, leading to an efficient yet powerful driving experience. Paired with an updated CVT automatic transmission known for its wider gear ratios, the 2022 Rogue provided a smooth, controlled ride with commendable fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

The 2022 Ford Bronco was a different beast altogether in terms of performance. Its base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder offering 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. For those craving even more power, a 2.7-liter V6 option delivered 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Unique to the Bronco’s offerings was a seven-speed manual transmission available with the four-cylinder engine, featuring a crawl gear for high-torque, low-speed situations—a blessing for avid off-roaders. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's performance excelled on both off-road trails and paved roads, providing a less bumpy, more refined experience compared to rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

When it came to form and function, the 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in providing smart storage solutions and spacious interior dimensions. The front cabin was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage locations such as bottle holders in the doors, a center console bin, cubbies in the dash, and multiple USB outlets. Rear seat passengers enjoyed comparable conveniences with storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest. The rear seats could split 60/40, and the Rogue’s cargo area offered a versatile 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row. When folded flat, cargo capacity expanded to 74.1 cubic feet.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco used its squared-off design to maximize interior space. Both headroom and legroom were ample for passengers in the front and back seats. However, getting into the rear seats of the two-door models required some effort. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type. The two-door with a hard top provided 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door configuration offered even more, with 35.6 cubic feet behind and 77.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The flat-folding feature wasn't as convenient for large objects but still made for a versatile cargo area. Additional clever storage solutions included netted door pockets, a rubberized phone tray, and an option for stowable doors—all enhancing the Bronco’s functional appeal.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue maintained the technology upgrades introduced in its 2021 makeover, emphasizing user-friendly and cutting-edge features. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation systems utilized Google Maps and Waze, controlled through voice commands. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist further enhanced driver safety, integrating with the navigation system for proactive speed adjustments based on road conditions.

For the 2022 Ford Bronco, technology enhanced its off-road prowess while maintaining driver engagement. The G.O.A.T. modes facilitated off-road settings, and more experienced drivers appreciated the manual option for setup preferences. The forward-looking trail camera added confidence on tough trails by outlining tire tracks on-screen. Sync 4 infotainment kept things modern with quick responses, sharp graphics, and a suite of off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, complemented by an available wireless charging pad.

Safety features in the 2022 Nissan Rogue were comprehensive, featuring the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additionally, ProPilot Assist elevated safety with adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the 2021 model garnered a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Additional features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist were available through packages. Higher trims offered even more advanced safety options. The NHTSA hadn’t fully evaluated the Bronco, but it received four stars for frontal crash protection (four-door) and three stars for rollover protection (both body styles). The IIHS gave the Bronco high scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests.