2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, akin to a Burberry trench coat, offering a blend of functionality and style. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its adventurous spirit, inspiring owners to explore off-road terrains. The interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin, emphasizing durability over luxury. While it lacked the opulence of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Defender's charm lay in its utilitarian design, making it a unique choice for those seeking adventure.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose and V-Motion grille gave it a modern edge, while the LED headlamps and active grille shutters contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency. The Rogue's exterior colour options were limited but offered a sophisticated palette, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue's cabin was quieter and more functional, with features like a shift-by-wire system and improved second-row access. The interior offered a range of standard features, including heated seats and a panoramic sunroof, with higher trims adding leatherette upholstery and advanced technology. The Rogue's design updates made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and practical compact SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a robust performance with its optional 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system ensured smooth power delivery, with an electric motor powering one of the turbochargers to eliminate lag. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exemplary, aided by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines and deep water with ease, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. The standard engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 296 hp, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, offering improved performance and fuel efficiency. The engine was well-matched to the Rogue's weight, providing a balanced driving experience. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less intrusive than expected, contributing to a smoother ride. While the Rogue lacked alternate powertrain options, its fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway for the FWD model. The Rogue's handling was significantly improved, with better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system, resulting in a stable and planted road feel.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability, with a minimalist interior designed for tough conditions. The Defender 90, a rare two-door SUV, offered an optional jump seat, allowing for flexible seating configurations. The four-door 110 model could accommodate up to seven passengers with an optional third row. The cabin layout was practical, with generous headroom and legroom, and features like a panoramic moonroof and optional rear air conditioning. Cargo space varied between models, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kg, showcasing its rugged capabilities.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims, with a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof, with higher trims adding leatherette upholstery and advanced technology. The Platinum grade introduced a redesigned cargo system, offering 1,028 litres with seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Rogue's interior was practical and well-equipped, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting 16 computer modules. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained with small icons and overlays. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included a 12-inch digital instrument panel, wireless charger, and a range of driver assistance technologies. Higher trims offered additional luxury features like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added in-car Wi-Fi, additional USB ports, and NissanConnect services. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless phone charging and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable addition, though the digital instrument cluster had readability issues. Overall, the Rogue's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was not rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags. It featured standard safety technologies like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue boasted the Safety Shield 360 suite, standard on all models, including features like 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 overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.