2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by standard LED headlamps in a narrow and angled configuration. The inclusion of separate LED daytime running lights, functional forward air vents, and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag than its predecessor, despite its boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim level, with the Platinum model offering the most luxurious interior.

The 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design elements, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The luxury SUV featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport styling added a sporty touch with body-colour matched trim and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, offered a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though some found the abundance of black plastic less appealing. The M Sport models included unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel. The X5's interior was spacious, though some found the front seats less comfortable on longer journeys.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque available at 3,600 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while not offering alternate powertrains, provided a standard level of performance across the lineup. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive configuration achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version saw slightly higher figures. The Rogue's handling was notably improved, with better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system, providing a stable and planted road feel.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 km of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds and a lack of the connected drive experience typically associated with BMW. However, the cabin remained quiet, and the suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured several functional updates, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space under the centre stack. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access to the second row, which offered increased headroom. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors, with upgrades available in higher trims. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The system allowed for a 5 cm cargo floor height adjustment and included a panel for separating cargo.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious, though some found the front seats uncomfortable on longer trips. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5 retained its split liftgate, offering full power functionality and a vehicle height adjustment button for easier loading. The cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. Access to the second row was somewhat limited by the narrow door openings.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless phone charging pad. The Platinum also included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was criticized for its hard-to-read graphics.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker sound system. Additional features included voice recognition, Bluetooth, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Buyers could opt for upgrades like a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring 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 safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to several recalls.