2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its mature styling from the previous year, aligning with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colours and an electronic gear selector lever, maximizing space. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row provided comfort, while the fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring AWD system provided a smooth and engaging driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The suspension offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance over the previous model. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing 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 provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the steering was responsive with a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on the Black Edition, providing comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in storage options, with numerous compartments throughout the cabin. Rear passengers had ample storage and charging ports, while the 60/40 split second-row seat added versatility. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded, accommodating various needs.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the system's small screen and limited voice recognition were drawbacks.

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. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay on upper trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating navigation for predictive speed control. Nissan’s Intelligent Key enhanced keyless entry convenience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided Level 2 driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.