2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

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 in a narrow and angled configuration. The inclusion of 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 streamlined to include black, white, grey, red, and blue, with a pearl grey option available on 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 were primarily cloth, with leatherette upholstery available in the SV AWD model with the Premium Package. The Platinum model featured semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, elevating the interior to a more luxurious level.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. Our test vehicle was the High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability and functionality, featuring comfortable seats with cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, fully available at 3,600 rpm. This engine was a newer direct-injected version, improving both performance and fuel efficiency. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kilograms for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kilograms for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue's performance was well-matched to its weight, offering a stable and planted road feel. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive configuration achieving 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 7.0 on the highway, and 8.1 combined. The all-wheel-drive version increased these figures slightly.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Wrangler's eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were well-suited for challenging weather conditions. However, fuel consumption was higher, with the Wrangler averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, offering an immersive and sensory-rich experience, but it required frequent stops at the gas station and was known for its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered several functional updates across all price points. The cabin was quieter by three decibels on average, and a new shift-by-wire system allowed for a large storage compartment under the centre stack. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased to 996 mm without the moonroof. Standard features included heated front seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors, with additional features available in higher trims. The cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension and added ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured comfortable seats with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and windshield. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 898 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was 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 at a glance.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was relatively basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system, but our test vehicle's setup was sufficient for most needs. Additional tech features included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with 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 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.