2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by narrow, angled 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 SUV's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified, with options like black, white, grey, red, and blue, and a special pearl grey for the SV with all-wheel drive. The Platinum grade offered four two-tone colour configurations, combining a lower paint colour with a blacked-out roof. 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 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The RDX's wheel designs and paint colours were also refreshed, with the limited-production PMC Edition returning in exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint. The RDX lineup included several trims, with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package offering high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin. The RDX's interior emphasized a sporty driving position, with a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. While the control layout required some acclimation, the RDX provided a comfortable and stylish environment, with standard features like a panoramic sunroof and power-adjustable heated front seats.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, available at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation. 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. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue's handling was significantly better than its predecessor, with 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 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version consumed slightly more.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided an enjoyable driving experience, though fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.4 L/100 km during testing. The RDX came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could deliver up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The RDX's adaptive-damping suspension and revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's driving dynamics, comfortable seats, and torquey engine made it a pleasure to drive, though it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered several functional updates across all trims, 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 heated steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, though the control layout required some acclimation. The RDX featured standard 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, with leather seats in A-Spec trims. The back seat, however, was less comfortable, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate with available hands-free operation was standard, along with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor.

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 an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. A Bose 10-speaker audio system was also included, though the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 Acura RDX used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display and a touchpad controller. While the system required acclimation, it offered Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX included satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a navigation system starting with the Technology package. Three premium sound systems were available, with the A-Spec Platinum Elite featuring a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added 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 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.