2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a bold redesign that gave this compact SUV 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 vehicle'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, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces in most grades, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available in higher trims, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to showcase a modern and sporty design, with its aggressive exterior styling standing out among competitors in the midsize luxury crossover segment. The RX featured razor-sharp character lines and angular features, creating a satisfying yet eye-catching design language. The F Sport models added performance-oriented aesthetics, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its dated centre stack, the RX offered a high-quality feel with soft-touch surfaces and a serene cabin environment.

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 was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing a balanced performance for the Rogue's weight, which ranged from 1,536 kg to 1,653 kg depending on the model. The Rogue's handling was improved with a 27% increase 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 used slightly more fuel.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. All RX models came with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and additional drive modes, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, with the hybrid offering better efficiency.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with upgrades available in higher trims. The cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres available with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system allowed for flexible storage options, although the rear seat split was reduced to 60/40.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space for passengers and cargo, with only 210 litres available with all seats upright. The RX's cargo area was accessible through a power liftgate, but the load-in height was high. Interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a head-up display button. Despite the tight cargo space in the L models, the RX offered thoughtful interior features for convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade offered a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose audio system. The head-up display was well-configured, but the digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. The screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging, and the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. Despite these issues, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

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. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights and received a four-star rating from the NHTSA.