2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a sophisticated and modern design, with multiple engine options catering to different performance needs. The 55 TFSI model, priced at $86,100, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. The SUV's exterior updates, including new wheels and lighting elements, aligned it with the flagship Q8 model, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and natural wood inlays, exuded luxury, while the multi-colour ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a muscular and imposing presence. The updated front end featured a squared-off nose with a deeper V-Motion grille, flanked by standard LED headlamps and functional air vents. The exterior colour palette was simplified, with two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available on higher trims. The SV AWD model, priced at $39,088, included a Premium Package with heated rear seats and a power liftgate, enhancing the Rogue's interior appeal.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD, delivered a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. The SUV's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, averaging 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The Technik trim featured an adaptive air suspension, enhancing ride comfort and off-road capability. Despite some lazy throttle response in Comfort and Auto modes, the Q7 excelled in Dynamic mode, offering agile handling and a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a CVT, provided adequate performance for the Rogue's weight, ranging from 1,536 kg to 1,653 kg. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was commendable, with AWD models achieving 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 L/100 km on the highway. The new design improved handling, with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped rear suspension. The Rogue's road feel was stable, with minimal pitch or roll, enhancing its driving dynamics.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 402 litres. Folding it down expanded cargo capacity to 1,010 litres, with a maximum of 1,970 litres available. The Q7's interior was comfortable for long journeys, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample second-row legroom. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and door-panel bins offering minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue boasted functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased to 996 mm. Standard features included heated front seats and mirrors, with the SV trim adding a panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheels. The Platinum grade offered a redesigned cargo system, providing 1,028 litres of space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with it folded. The system's panels allowed for cargo separation, enhancing practicality.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While intuitive, the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV grade added in-car Wi-Fi and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The Rogue's head-up display was well-configured, but the digital instrument cluster's graphics were difficult to read due to low contrast.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist and Turn Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and Active Lane Assist technologies were problematic, with the former misreading traffic signs and the latter struggling on mountain highways. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its "poor" headlight assessment.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to frontal crash testing in later models.