2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a bold redesign that gave it a 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 limited to a few options, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces in most grades, with leatherette upholstery available in the SV AWD model through a Premium Package. The Platinum model boasted semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, elevating the interior to a more luxurious level.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid showcased a dramatic new design with sharp, angular cues across its fascia and sides. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, making it unmistakably different from the 2021 model. The Tucson's exterior styling was a bold move, with a grille that seamlessly blended with the LED headlights and running lights, creating a futuristic look. Lower trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims like the N Line, Luxury, and Ultimate came with 19-inch wheels. The interior was open and airy, with a bulkier centre console but an unobstructed view at eye level. The Ultimate trim added ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a newer direct-injected version, improving performance and fuel efficiency. 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 standard, providing a stable and planted road feel. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with figures of 8.9 L/100 km in the city, 7.0 on the highway, and 8.1 combined for the front-wheel-drive model. All-wheel drive increased these figures slightly.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, combined with an electric motor to produce 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid's steering was responsive, and the six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts admirably. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was notable, with figures of 6.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. The plug-in hybrid version offered even greater efficiency, with a 13.8 kWh battery providing 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, adding a large storage compartment under the centre stack. Rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was enhanced. 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 seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a spacious interior with a dual-level cargo floor system. The hybrid's trunk provided 1,097 litres of space, expanding to 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. Front and rear legroom were generous, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The Tucson's interior featured ambient lighting in the Ultimate trim, enhancing the cabin's atmosphere. The centre console included cupholders, and the rear seat had a fold-down armrest with additional cupholders.

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 upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay. A 10.8-inch head-up display and a Bose 10-speaker audio system were also included, though the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Ultimate trim, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The interface used touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating. However, the Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim. The infotainment system could be controlled via steering-wheel controls, offering some convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and more. 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 safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim included a surround-view monitor, highway-driving assist, and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.