2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's design language, including the distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It featured a slightly altered rear bumper due to the absence of exhaust tips and introduced a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium feel.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, maintaining the grownup look introduced in the previous year. It shared design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The SL and Platinum trims featured LED fog lamps, while active grille shutters and underbody covers enhanced airflow. The floating roof illusion, aided by dark supporting pillars, and a slightly bulging liftgate contributed to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue showcased a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, complemented by an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space in the centre console. The interior offered ample storage options, including a large centre console bin, cupholders, and a wireless charging pad, while the 9-inch infotainment display and digital instrument panel provided a modern touch.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh of usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The T5 and T4 variants achieved 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the option for one-pedal driving in the Recharge model. It also boasted a towing capacity of 900 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, marking an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous 2.5-litre engine. The VC-Turbo technology allowed for variable compression, optimizing power and efficiency based on driving demands. The Rogue's fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres city, 6.5 highway, and 7.2 combined. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, while the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter of 10.8 metres.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was not particularly spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Recharge model had less legroom and headroom, and a smaller cargo area. The frunk was also limited in size due to powertrain components. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and large door bins thanks to relocated speakers. A wireless charging pad was optional, and a single USB-C port was standard, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage solutions. The front cabin featured numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a centre console bin. USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets were conveniently located, along with a wireless charging pad. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed storage in the doors, seatbacks, and centre armrest, with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. It also lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was anticipated for the XC40, though not confirmed.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, integrating with the navigation system for proactive speed adjustments. The Intelligent Key system allowed for convenient keyless entry, enhancing usability for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The electric XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. It had ten airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, with enhanced features available through ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.