2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an appealing look despite its age. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded centre console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, with its unmistakable kidney grille and body shape. The X5's design was consistent with BMW's SUV range, offering a luxurious appearance with features like full adaptive LED headlights and satin aluminum finishes. The M Sport styling added a sporty touch with body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was not shoddy, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though it did have an abundance of black plastic.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Weighing 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, with a Sport driving mode that failed to deliver excitement. The Xtronic CVT made the most of the available power, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration and responsiveness, especially in demanding driving situations. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with real-world consumption exceeding the expected 8.2 L/100 km.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 50-kilometre all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, and the SUV's handling was more akin to a Lincoln than a typical BMW.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The front seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were undersized and challenging to adjust for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort with high cushions, good legroom, and a panoramic view. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area was generous, with 1,112 litres of space and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but became hard over longer journeys. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors did not open wide enough for easy access to the second row. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades offered navigation, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services with remote access features. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional options included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and issues in IIHS testing.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Driving Assistance Professional Package had limitations, with issues in adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS but had a 4-star NHTSA rating and several recalls.