2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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 Canadian, 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless and sophisticated design, combining rugged utility with upscale aesthetics. Its model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, priced at $89,145 Canadian, featured a Premium Plus Appearance Group that enhanced its premium look. Inside, the Summit boasted a luxurious interior with premium leather, genuine wood, and a striking Indigo and Ski Gray colour scheme. However, the interior design was beginning to show its age with outdated switchgear and component fits.

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 mode that failed to deliver excitement. The CVT managed power well, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration and responsiveness, especially during highway merging or passing. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with real-world consumption exceeding the expected 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it lacked driving enjoyment due to heavy steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 2,818 kilograms. For more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency, achieving 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres in testing. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride. However, the V8's fuel consumption was high, and the ride could be bouncy on uneven surfaces.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior comfort was compromised for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and legroom. The rear seats offered better comfort with high cushions, good legroom, and a panoramic glass moonroof. 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 added utility.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured supportive front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats were comfortable but had limited legroom, exacerbated by the optional rear-seat entertainment system. Interior storage was adequate, but the entertainment system reduced centre console space. The cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, with a recessed bin and underfloor storage. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,934 litres, though this was modest for a midsize SUV.

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

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience with fast response, clear graphics, and separate stereo controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee's tech offerings were impressive, though the upcoming 2022 model promised significant digital advancements.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional options included ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a 5-star NHTSA rating for 4WD models, its IIHS ratings were concerning, with "Marginal" and "Poor" scores in frontal-impact tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive ProTech II Package with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance features, though its safety performance was a potential drawback.