2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, carrying over the grownup look from the previous year. It shared exterior design features with other Nissan vehicles, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The SL and Platinum trims included LED fog lamps, while active grille shutters and underbody covers improved airflow. The floating roof design and slightly bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The centre console, with an electronic gear selector, offered ample storage space, including room for a purse or bucket of fried chicken. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy driver access, and the instrument panel varied from a 7-inch display to a full 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the roomy second row accommodated adults comfortably. Fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km combined. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented an 11 percent increase in horsepower and a 24 percent increase in torque compared to the previous 2.5-litre engine. The Rogue's fuel consumption improved, achieving 7.8 litres per 100 km city/6.5 highway/7.2 combined, with slightly higher figures for AWD models. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The front cabin included bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a centre console bin, and more. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and centre armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the second row folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster with customizable views. The cabin offered LED ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch 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, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue had ten airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the Rogue received a four-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.