2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, 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 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.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, was a highly sought-after vehicle. It offered a deep lineup, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height for optimal off-road performance. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco was equipped with advanced technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a full complement of cameras, making it both a capable off-roader and a comfortable road trip companion.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. 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 fuel efficiency was respectable, with ratings of 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway for the front-wheel drive model. The Rogue's handling was improved with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension, providing a stable and planted road feel.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with even the base model capable of tackling challenging terrain. The Everglades model, tested on Drummond Island, excelled in difficult conditions, including deep water crossings and steep rock climbs. On-road, the Bronco provided a smoother ride than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a versatile vehicle for both off-road adventures and highway driving.

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. The Rogue offered generous cargo space, with 1,028 litres available with the rear seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, though the rear seat split was changed to 60/40.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard-top increased these figures to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, and offered stowable doors and removable fender flares for added utility.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped 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, 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 due to low contrast.

The 2022 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera providing confidence on challenging terrain. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco also featured a Trail Turn Assist for sharper turns and a wireless charging pad for added convenience.

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 for highway driving, and the Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with additional options available in higher trims. The NHTSA gave the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories, with "Acceptable" for head restraints and seats. Standard airbags included dual-stage front and side airbags, with side-curtain airbags and a rollover sensor.