2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that contributed to its status as one of the best-looking vehicles in its segment. The large Acura logo on the grille, while oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was further enhanced by its distinctive character lines, creating a dynamic and sporty appearance. Inside, the RDX impressed with its sharp styling and eye-catching red leather upholstery, which provided a strong contrast against the black interior. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features, including synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual elements and sportier interior features, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered additional luxury touches.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, resulting in a more muscular and imposing presence. The updated front end featured a squared-off nose with a deeper V-Motion grille, flanked by narrow LED headlamps and functional air vents. The exterior colour options were streamlined, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space. The second row benefited from improved access and headroom, while standard features included heated front seats and a 360-degree Around View Monitor on higher trims. The Platinum grade introduced premium features like quilted Nappa leather and a redesigned cargo system.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note, with power managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in handling and comfort, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate performance for the Rogue's weight. While there were no alternative powertrains available, the Rogue offered respectable fuel efficiency, with figures of 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 on the highway for the AWD model. The Rogue's handling was improved with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system, resulting in a stable and planted road feel.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom, with convenient storage options throughout the cabin. The RDX boasted 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing additional storage space.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and improved second-row access with doors that opened to 85 degrees. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, offering 1,028 litres with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system allowed for a 5 cm cargo floor height adjustment and included a panel for separating cargo.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a touchpad interface that was less intuitive than competitors. Despite this, the RDX offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a WiFi hotspot and a 9-speaker audio system. Higher trims added features like navigation and the impressive ELS Studio 3D premium sound system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system was straightforward and functional, with an 8-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade introduced a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The Rogue also featured a 10.8-inch head-up display, though the digital instrument cluster's graphics were less user-friendly.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a 360-degree surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, offering forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.