2021 Dodge Durango 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 design, 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 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, with the Platinum model offering the most luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, consistent with its family members, the Charger and Challenger. The Durango SRT Hellcat model, in particular, showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The SUV offered a choice of six different 20-inch wheel varieties and came in 11 exterior colours. Inside, the Durango featured a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior materials ranged from cloth to Laguna leather, with various contrast stitching options and Demonic Red-coloured seat belts adding a unique touch.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which was an improvement over the previous generation. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and was available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. 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 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 in the R/T model delivered 360 hp, while the 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 offered 475 hp. The top-tier SRT Hellcat boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Durango's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its chassis showed its age on rough roads and tracks.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, adding a large storage compartment 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 and a 360-degree Around View Monitor on the SV trim. The cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres available with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, while the third row provided more room than many competitors. Cargo space was average for its class, and the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly over the years. The SUV's midsize packaging made it a versatile option for families.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were difficult to read.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's technological heart was the Uconnect 5 system, available on higher trims with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A rear-seat family entertainment system was available, and SRT models featured unique appearance features. The TomTom navigation system was a standout, though the gauge cluster's design made it difficult to read speed accurately.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including features like forward emergency braking and blind-spot 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 rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a back-up camera as the only standard active safety feature. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.