2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

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, flanked by standard LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was limited to a few options, with additional two-tone configurations 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 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined vehicle within the General Motors lineup. The XT5's exterior featured a snub-nosed design with distinct trim level differentiation and standard LED lights that highlighted its robust proportions. The interior design was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials. The Premium Luxury trim level exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. Despite some shortcomings in comfort, the XT5's interior was a testament to Cadillac's renewed focus on luxury.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved both performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. 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. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was enhanced by a 27% improvement in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 8.1 L/100 km combined, while the all-wheel-drive version used 8.3 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was standard on the XT5 Sport and available on the Premium Luxury trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The XT5's fuel consumption was better than expected, with the AWD V6 model achieving 9.4 L/100 km over 3,200 km of testing, outperforming the estimated 11.2 L/100 km combined. The XT5 handled the road with ease, offering a comfortable and confident driving experience.

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, and the second-row headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors, with additional upgrades available on higher trims. The cargo space was generous, offering 1,028 litres with the second-row seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system allowed for flexible storage options, although the rear seat now split 60/40 instead of 40/20/40.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults, with good legroom but limited headroom in the back. The front seats were less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Heated front seats were standard, and the SUV offered a reasonable 850 litres of cargo space, though it was less than some competitors. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other items.

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 offered a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable upgrade, though the digital instrument cluster's graphics were difficult to read.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with a standard 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. The system included a rotary controller for navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror, a digital instrument cluster, and an available head-up display. The 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system was available for those seeking a premium audio experience.

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, a hands-on highway driving assist feature. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. The XT5's safety features provided a sufficient level of alert capability without being intrusive.