2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 separate LED daytime running lights, functional forward air vents, and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag than its predecessor, despite its boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few basic colours, with additional two-tone options available on higher trims. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim level, with the Platinum model offering the most luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was styled with a sporty flair, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a distinctive look. The interior was as sumptuous as expected, featuring high-end materials and a high-tech appearance with dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design. The cabin was adorned with Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night, while the facade of simplicity masked the vehicle’s complexity, requiring some acclimation to operate the technology seamlessly.

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 performance and fuel efficiency over the previous generation. 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 offered a stable and planted road feel, with improved handling due to a 27% increase in 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 L/100 km on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The GLE Coupe's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the adaptive damping control air suspension provided a comfortable ride. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban environments with its speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering and tight turning radius, while its performance capabilities shone on winding roads and highways.

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, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors, with upgrades 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. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system allowed for a 5 cm cargo floor height adjustment and a vertical panel to separate cargo.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the back seat provided ample legroom. The cargo hold measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the second-row seats folded. Comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the luxurious feel of the GLE Coupe.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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 offered a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, however, had readability issues due to low contrast graphics.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came equipped with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound 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, a hands-on highway driving assist feature. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.