2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, offering a sense of familiarity and luxury. The X5's exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5 maintained the brand's signature interior design, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its overuse of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel with features like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated design, building on the 2021 model's transformation. The exterior showcased Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The Rogue's cabin followed a layered dash design trend, offering a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for additional storage. The Rogue's interior was praised for its comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row, providing ample legroom. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model, showcasing Nissan's attention to detail and quality materials.

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, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 km of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and drive dynamics were criticized for lacking the engaging handling expected from BMW, with a Lincoln-like feel at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, enhancing the Rogue's performance. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, using regular unleaded fuel. The 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 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment feature facilitated loading heavy cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, offering numerous places to stash items, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies. The rear seats provided additional storage options and USB ports for device charging. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, with up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. This made the Rogue a practical choice for families and those needing ample storage space.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Apple CarPlay system had connectivity issues, often taking over music operations unexpectedly. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various convenience features like a panoramic sunroof and remote start. 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 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's driver-assist technology, was available, offering advanced features like navigation-linked speed control. The Intelligent Key system allowed for convenient keyless entry, enhancing the Rogue's family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, offering automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning as standard. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, providing Level 2 driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.