2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without resorting to excessive blacked-out trim or aggressive performance cues. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. The RDX was not designed for off-roading, as evidenced by the absence of oversized skid plates or bulging fender flares, making it clear that this SUV was intended for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with a starting price of $50,305, and offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. However, the red markings on the gauge cluster were difficult to read during the day.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated design, carrying over the styling from the previous year's transformation. It featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a detailed and tasteful look. The centre console was a highlight, with an electronic gear selector lever that saved space, allowing for additional storage options. The Rogue's cabin was equipped with comfortable Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a roomy second row, providing ample legroom. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, which improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec trim came with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, enhancing its handling capabilities. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport modes were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, allowing it to adjust the compression ratio for improved power and efficiency. The Rogue's new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter made it manoeuvrable in various situations.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being classified as a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and featured 12-way power adjustment, with heating and ventilation options in higher trims. However, the rear seats lacked leg support, and the cargo space, while competitive, was not class-leading. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 2,260 litres, but this figure was based on moving the front seats forward, which was not a practical measurement.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with numerous places to stash items throughout the cabin. The Rogue offered 1,033 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,098 litres with the seats folded flat. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample storage and charging options for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it offered standard features like satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, the TTI system required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Acura integrated smartphone projection, voice recognition, and physical controls for stereo and climate functions to reduce driver distraction.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a technology upgrade with its 2021 makeover, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for proactive speed adjustments. The Rogue's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry, enhancing usability for families.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering standard safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also included ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, provided advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.