2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of near-luxury and innovative design. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, offering a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs, an upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo, and Thor’s hammer-shaped LED headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large displays, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, following its 2021 redesign, continued to impress with its mature styling and shared design elements with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. The exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The 9-inch centre infotainment display and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel on upper trims enhanced the driving experience. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row provided comfort, while the fit and finish, especially on the Platinum model, were commendable.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further increased power to 415 hp. The XC60's fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV. The XC60's driving dynamics were enhanced by its AWD system and torque vectoring, providing a smooth and secure ride.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, while the new CVT offered a wider range of gear ratios for better acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feedback. The absence of a manual transmission option was noted, but the overall performance was lively and engaging.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them ideal for winter conditions. The XC60's heating system, rear glass heater, and windshield defroster were effective in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the second row provided secure storage options. The XC60 had 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a centre console bin. The second row offered a 60/40 split reclining bench and additional storage options. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, with up to 1,033 litres of space behind the second row and 2,098 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's practicality and versatility made it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and function quadrants were intuitive for some users, though there was a learning curve. The XC60 offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included 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, a hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Rogue's Intelligent Key system allowed for convenient keyless entry.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also offered ProPilot Assist, which combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for enhanced safety. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.