2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

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 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 vehicle's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, 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 a more luxurious interior that could sway even the most skeptical of Nissan critics.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a comprehensive makeover, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior changes resulted in a dramatic and attractive crossover SUV, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The long hood and steeply raked windshield added elegance, while the roof appeared to float above the cabin due to blacked-out pillars. The Autograph trim level featured a contrasting black roof, enhancing this effect. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The QX60 models were crafted with high build quality, as expected from Infiniti.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, with improvements in performance and fuel efficiency over the previous generation. The engine specs matched well with the Rogue’s curb weight, ranging 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 offered a pleasant driving experience with improved torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with figures of 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive configuration.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, on the other hand, benefited from a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT and significantly enhancing the driving experience. The familiar 3.5-litre V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, using premium unleaded fuel. Fuel consumption was expected at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway. The QX60’s suspension was reworked, providing a smooth and serene ride, though it was not designed for aggressive cornering. The vehicle excelled in comfort, especially in the second and third rows, making it ideal for highway and suburban driving.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all price points, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with upgrades available in higher trims. The Platinum grade featured a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, with its three-row configuration, provided ample storage and comfort for all passengers. The centre console offered convenient storage options, and the second-row seats slid on rails for easy access to the third row. The QX60 could hold 411 litres of luggage behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and 2,135 litres with both rows down. The vehicle also had a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kg with the right equipment.

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. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system, though the digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 boasted a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It included multiple USB ports throughout the cabin and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The Sensory and Autograph models featured a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience. The Bose Performance series sound system with 17 speakers was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure 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 safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 included a comprehensive array of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward emergency braking and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure. While official safety ratings were not yet available, the previous generation received high marks, and similar performance was expected for the 2022 model.