2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior received updates for the 2021 model year, particularly evident in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model. This version featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, with six interior colour schemes. Inside, the cabin boasted a modernized instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, providing a sophisticated and customizable experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its mature design evolution, building on the previous year's transformation. The exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design, contributing to its sleek appearance. The Rogue's cabin followed a layered dash design trend, offering a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was notable for its electronic gear selector, freeing up space for storage. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for optimal driver visibility, and the instrument panel varied from a 7-inch display on lower trims to a 12.3-inch digital screen on higher trims. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the spacious second row accommodated passengers with ample legroom. The fit and finish of the Rogue were exemplary, particularly in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, each paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base 3.6-litre V6 engine produced 293 to 295 horsepower, depending on the exhaust configuration, and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8, standard in the R/T trim, delivered 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 392 HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, generating an impressive 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Durango's chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The Durango's towing capacity reached up to 8,700 pounds with the Tow N Go Package, and the SRT models offered configurable drive modes for track enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 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 chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feedback, and the tight turning diameter made manoeuvring easy. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway, making it an economical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller occupants, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatility and athletic design made it a popular choice. The SUV's fit and finish had improved significantly, reflecting Dodge's commitment to quality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered a well-thought-out interior with numerous storage options for both front and rear passengers. The second-row seat featured a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's cargo area could accommodate up to 1,033 litres of luggage, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. The Rogue's interior design and storage solutions made it a practical choice for families and commuters alike.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, both running the new Uconnect 5 system. This system offered faster performance, user profiles, and wireless connectivity options. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The TomTom navigation system provided clear and responsive guidance, although a head-up display was not available.

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, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing the Rogue's safety and convenience features.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a standard back-up camera and optional active safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.