2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or 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 Chevrolet Tahoe came in six distinct versions, each with unique grille designs and features. The Tahoe Z71, tested at $80,293 CAD, showcased a rugged look with a blacked-out appearance, red tow hooks, and 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The Tahoe's styling included standard LED headlights and expressive taillights, with a more subtle overall design compared to its predecessor. The larger wheels enhanced its appearance, and the variety of wheel designs offered customization options. The Tahoe's pricing ranged from $57,048 CAD for the base LS to $81,448 CAD for the luxurious High Country.

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 (CVT). Weighing up to 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, with a Sport driving mode that didn't significantly enhance performance. The CVT managed power well, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially on highways or steep grades. Fuel efficiency was disappointing, with a tested consumption of 9.4 L/100 km, higher than the expected 8.2 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 exclusive to the High Country with 420 horsepower, and a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. The Tahoe Z71 featured a 5.3-litre V8 and a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing refined and capable performance. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, and it featured an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality. The Z71's adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades, along with all-terrain tires, delivered a smooth ride on various terrains. The Tahoe's fuel efficiency was rated at 13.5 L/100 km, with a tested consumption of 14.3 L/100 km.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior comfort was compromised for taller drivers, with limited seat adjustability. The rear seats offered excellent thigh support, legroom, and visibility, making them preferable for passengers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area provided 1,112 litres of space, with underfloor compartments and a Divide-n-Hide system for organization.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a power sliding storage console for added convenience. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 3,480 litres with seats folded, surpassing most competitors.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional navigation and Bose audio. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe boasted a 10.2-inch touchscreen with enhanced computing power and over-the-air updates. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some menu icons were hard to access. The test vehicle featured a Rear Seat Media system and a wireless charging pad, enhancing convenience and entertainment options.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and no IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, and forward collision alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe's safety features worked effectively, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.