2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Porsche Macan

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, resulting in 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 Rogue'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, 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 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic look, with a styling refresh that included larger standard wheels and a new centre console with haptic touch controls. The Macan S test vehicle featured Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, with a flat and wide dashboard, a large tachometer centred within the gauge cluster, and a centre console housing most secondary controls. The cabin exuded an upscale, sporty, and purposeful appearance, especially with the red leather, gloss black interior trim, and silver metallic accents.

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 offered a modest improvement over the previous generation, and its performance was well-matched to the Rogue's curb weight, which 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 less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was significantly improved, thanks to a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 8.1 L/100 km combined, while the all-wheel-drive version managed 8.3 L/100 km.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the base Macan and Macan T featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S test vehicle was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S also featured larger 20-inch standard wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and optional performance upgrades like Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB). The Macan S excelled in handling, offering unyielding grip and stability on challenging roads, with a fuel consumption rating of 13.0 L/100 km.

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

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided comfort for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers. The Macan featured new steering wheels modelled after the 911 sports car, and a redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls. Cargo space measured 488 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan offered a comfortable and supportive ride for its occupants.

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, while the Platinum grade featured a larger 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Porsche Communication Management (PCM), including wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, with climate control separate from the touchscreen.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features as standard, with 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, with improvements made to later models.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked advanced driving assistance features. Parking assistance was available with front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera, and Park Assist. The Macan had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.