2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, reminiscent of its predecessors with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. Despite its retro callbacks, the Defender boasted a modern design with rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added a distinct personality. The interior was spacious, offering more headroom and legroom than the original, with a comfortable driving position. The rugged character was emphasized through a mix of materials, including bare metal and exposed screws, alongside leather and suede upholstery, making it suitable for off-road adventures without worrying about interior damage.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, featuring a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The interior followed a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, providing a sophisticated look. The centre console was notable for its electronic gear selector, offering more space and convenience. The Rogue's cabin was equipped with Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a roomy second row, ensuring comfort for passengers. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, showcasing Nissan's attention to detail.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system with low range, good approach, departure, and breakover angles, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, enhancing performance and fuel economy. The Rogue's CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension handled the new engine's lively character well, delivering a smooth ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter added to its agility.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatility with its seating configurations. The two-door Defender 90 had 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, though accessing them was challenging. The four-door Defender 110 provided more options, with two-row and three-row configurations. Cargo space varied, with up to 1,875 litres available in two-row models. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large storage space below the dashboard and a spacious centre-console storage bin. Optional roof racks and cargo boxes added to its practicality for carrying gear.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and more. Rear-seat passengers had storage options and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, offering up to 1,033 litres with the seats up and 2,098 litres with the second row folded. This made it ideal for families and commuters needing ample storage space.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display.

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 advanced features like navigation integration for predictive speed control. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, providing Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.