2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from the brand. Its exterior design, while promising with an aggressive front, seemed to lose its momentum past the A-pillar, making it hard to distinguish from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the GLE struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, yet it still fell short in a direct comparison with high-performance rivals. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a masterful blend of quality materials and innovative design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with features like LED-outlined grab handles and expansive digital displays enhancing the cabin's opulence. Despite some minor flaws, such as flimsy gear selectors, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue presented a more mature and refined exterior design, building on the improvements made in the previous year. Its styling was in line with other Nissan models, featuring a V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights that contributed to its sophisticated look. The floating roof and bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue followed a modern design trend with a layered dashboard and contrasting surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a highlight, offering practical storage solutions and a user-friendly layout. The Rogue's interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and ample legroom in the second row. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model, making the Rogue a well-rounded and attractive option for buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of advanced features and configurations. The GLE 350, with its 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, was the entry-level option, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 63 S topped the range with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 delivering 450 hp and 568 lb-ft. The GLE's air suspension system, particularly the E-Active Body Control, was a standout feature, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns and even bounce to free itself from sand. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan, offering exceptional ride quality and steering. However, its fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe consuming 14.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a notable improvement over the previous model's engine, enhancing the Rogue's performance across various driving conditions. The new engine also offered impressive fuel efficiency, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The Rogue's CVT transmission was updated for better responsiveness, and the chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride. While the Rogue's performance was not as exhilarating as the GLE's, it offered a balanced and efficient driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was less practical, with a sloping roofline that limited rear passenger space and cargo capacity. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved user experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in practicality, offering numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies, while rear passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo area was impressive, with 1,033 litres of space behind the second row and 2,098 litres with the seats folded. The interior was designed with convenience in mind, making it an ideal choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture controls and a customizable head-up display. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics system adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE also offered a range of luxury features, such as heated armrests and a natural voice assistant, making it a tech-savvy choice for buyers.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also boasted impressive technology, with 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 Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. The ProPilot Assist system provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Rogue's technology package made it a competitive option in its segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems added an extra layer of protection, making it a safe choice for buyers.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also prioritized safety, featuring the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The ProPilot Assist system further enhanced safety, offering advanced driver-assist capabilities for added peace of mind.