2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its lack of distinctive styling, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design featured a few unique elements, such as the grille and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it didn't stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The colour options were somewhat limited, with a heavy emphasis on shades of grey, black, and white, making it challenging to find more vibrant hues like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, but it still faced stiff competition from rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue presented a more mature and refined appearance, continuing the design transformation that began in the previous model year. It shared design cues with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights, contributing to its sleek and sophisticated look. The floating roof and bulging liftgate added to its visual appeal. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed cabin. The centre console was a standout feature, with an electronic gear selector lever and ample storage space, enhancing both form and function.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. While it didn't offer exhilarating acceleration, it provided smooth and steady performance, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained constant engine revs, contributing to a predictable driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear suspension, delivered decent handling and ride quality, though it lacked the engagement found in some competitors with conventional transmissions.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, 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, enhancing both power and efficiency. The Rogue's CVT had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power well, providing a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter added to its agility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accommodating various storage needs. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured different tailgate options, including a hands-free version on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage solutions, with numerous compartments for stashing items. It offered bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies throughout the cabin. Rear-seat passengers had their own storage options and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area could hold up to 1,033 litres of luggage, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat, making it a versatile choice for carrying larger loads.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying speaker setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt audio system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with wireless phone charging introduced on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a technology upgrade, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre 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 integrated with the navigation system, offering advanced features like predictive speed control.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard across all trims. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It received a four-star NHTSA overall safety rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. ProPilot Assist enhanced safety features, providing Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities.