2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by standard 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 SUV'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.

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with “air blades” for a sportier appearance and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation. The Rogue's curb weight ranged 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's handling was significantly better than its predecessor, thanks to improved torsional rigidity, a lower weight, and an updated suspension system. 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 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The B6 version included an electric supercharger, enhancing performance. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The XC60 prioritized a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, with optional air suspension enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space under the centre stack. Rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded for mild-hybrid models, while plug-in hybrids offered slightly less. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite the pinched roofline. Large exterior mirrors aided driving without relying on driver aids.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came 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 10.8-inch head-up display. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The infotainment redesign offered a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a “Calm” setting to minimize distractions.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added 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 Volvo XC60 shared the 2021 model’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo’s driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, though it was no longer a standout feature.