2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that sat comfortably between Chevrolet and Cadillac. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform, emphasizing its robust nature. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, providing an upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more sophisticated appearance compared to its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart, thanks to its intricate grillework and chrome accents.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a muscular and imposing presence with its squared-off nose and V-Motion grille. The Rogue's exterior was complemented by standard LED headlamps and a streamlined colour palette, offering a modern and sleek look. Inside, the Rogue's cabin was quieter and more functional, with features like a shift-by-wire system and improved second-row access. The Platinum grade elevated the interior with semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, enhancing the Rogue's appeal to those seeking a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's fuel consumption was rated at 16.8 L/100 km in the city and 14.8 combined, with its 4WD system enhancing cornering performance and traction. Despite its size, the Yukon handled well, thanks to its independent rear suspension and Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, though the 22-inch wheels could make the ride feel less smooth.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a CVT, offered a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with ratings of 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 combined for the AWD model. The Rogue's handling was improved with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system, providing a stable and planted road feel. While the Rogue did not offer alternative powertrains, its performance was consistent across the lineup.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from an independent rear suspension, significantly enhancing passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, improving access to the third row, which now offered better thigh support. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres available with seats folded, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's cabin was quieter and more functional, with a new shift-by-wire system creating additional storage space. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with the SV trim adding a panoramic sunroof and leatherette upholstery. The Platinum grade offered a redesigned cargo system with 1,028 litres of space with seats upright, and 2,064 litres with them folded, though the system's functionality was slightly reduced from previous iterations.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment options, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also offered a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The Rogue also featured a 10.8-inch head-up display, though the digital instrument cluster's readability was a concern.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Yukon's substantial weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite, with features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.