2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences indicating its plug-in hybrid nature were the blue decals, specific badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats and black leather inserts, with a prominent front passenger grab handle. Despite its hybrid status, the interior retained the familiar Wrangler feel, with a lot of black plastic and a utilitarian design.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated exterior design, borrowing elements from other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior showcased a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, providing a refined look. The centre console was notable for its electronic gear selector, freeing up space for storage. The Rogue's cabin was equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, offering comfort and ample space for passengers, while the fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler 4xe was trail-rated, featuring a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and a fully articulating suspension, allowing for impressive off-road capabilities, including 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording. The plug-in hybrid system offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with modes to optimize battery use and regenerative braking for near one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous model, enhancing the Rogue’s responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and passing power. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feedback. The Rogue’s fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, making it an efficient choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack without sacrificing much interior space. The second-row headroom remained consistent with standard models, while legroom was only slightly reduced. Cargo capacity was slightly compromised, with 784 litres available with the seats up and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler’s width made it manageable in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving. However, some quirks, like the centre stack window controls, remained.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage and cargo space, offering numerous compartments for passengers’ convenience. The rear seats provided ample legroom and could be folded to expand the cargo area to 2,098 litres. The Rogue’s design included thoughtful touches like multiple charging ports and a wireless charging pad, enhancing its practicality for families and commuters. The spacious and versatile interior made it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for essential functions. Off-road and Hybrid Electric Pages provided useful information for drivers. However, the Wrangler lacked some modern tech features, such as a fully digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging, which were expected in its price range.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive technology suite, including 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 available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Rogue’s Intelligent Key system enhanced convenience for families, allowing easy access to all doors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its safety ratings with the standard Wrangler, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS tests but a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test. The NHTSA rated it four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features were limited, with options for blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, and adaptive cruise control available in specific packages.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, providing Level 2 driver-assist capabilities. 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.