2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was positioned as a luxury SUV with a visually appealing and somewhat tailored exterior, especially when equipped with the 20-inch aluminum wheels. The test vehicle had the Premium Luxury trim, which presented an upscale aesthetic with features like Silver Radiant metallic paint and a comprehensive array of additional packages, tallying up to $45,660 including destination charges. The styling was praised for its crisp, tailored look but was slightly marred by a noticeable front overhang. Inside, the XT4 showcased competitive interior materials but had some shortcuts such as plain black trim around the power window controls, which did not reflect the luxury brand image.

For the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the exterior received an upgrade to a more rugged and technical appearance, making it look more like an SUV than a car. The Rogue featured dark gray plastic cladding, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection that bestowed it with an aggressive and modern vibe. LED lights, a prominent V-Motion grille, and a range of aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter added to its fresh aesthetic. The test vehicle, an SL trim with the Premium Package, featured an Almond-colored leather interior, a panoramic glass sunroof, and additional trimmings that accentuated its spaciousness and luxury. The Rogue offered up to four trim levels with varied luxury features, peaking with the Platinum trim that included semi-aniline quilted leather.

Under the hood of the 2020 Cadillac XT4 was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, delivering a lively driving experience. A nine-speed automatic transmission facilitated power flow to either the front or all four wheels. The test vehicle returned an average of 24.8 mpg. Despite its engaging torque and grip from the oversized 20-inch wheels, the XT4 exhibited some flaws in its ride and handling. It struggled with noise insulation and its suspension system failed to comfortably absorb small bumps and road imperfections.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for a vehicle of its weight. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) helped optimize the available torque, assisted by pre-programmed ratios that emulated a traditional automatic feel. The Rogue clocked 27.5 mpg during testing, falling slightly short of its EPA rating. The new model's ride and handling impressed, attributed to its robust new architecture, advanced suspension systems, and Vehicle Motion Control, which enhanced the overall driving dynamics. The electric-assisted steering was notably improved, contributing significantly to driving satisfaction.

Inside the 2020 Cadillac XT4, comfort was a priority with soft leather seats featuring extensive adjustability and ventilation. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and additional benefits like heated seats and dedicated air vents. However, the rear seat cushions lacked adequate support. Cadillac's air conditioning system stood out for its rapid cooling capability, even in extreme heat. The XT4 also offered substantial storage options, though its cargo capacity was on the smaller side with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue's interior emphasized comfort through its Zero Gravity seats available across various trims with different upholstery options, providing a more ergonomic and cushioned seating experience. The Rogue featured a sophisticated climate control system, with top trims offering a triple-zone setup. The rear seats were spacious and practical, accommodating up to three child safety seats, and the nearly 90-degree rear door opening facilitated easier loading. With 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded, the Rogue outstripped the XT4 in cargo capacity, enhancing its functionality as a family SUV.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 touted the new iteration of its Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was more user-friendly compared to its predecessors. The 8-inch display functioned as a touchscreen, supplemented by steering wheel and console controls, though it could benefit from a larger screen. The system integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing for multiple devices. The test vehicle’s 13-speaker Bose system impressed with quality sound, though it lacked some advanced features like a head-up display or a rear camera mirror.

Nissan's 2021 Rogue offered a comprehensive infotainment setup, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen on base trims and moving up to a 9-inch display with higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, along with integration for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Rogue also provided an optional Bose premium audio system and an advanced voice recognition system. Top trims like the Platinum added wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, showcasing a significant technological edge over the XT4.

For the 2020 model year, the Cadillac XT4 enhanced its safety features by including forward-collision warning, pedestrian braking, automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat as standard. Additional features available with Premium Luxury trim included blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, indicating solid crash protection.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue placed a heavy emphasis on safety, incorporating the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite in every model. This included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue went further with ten airbags, driver monitoring, and rear-seat reminder systems. Advanced options included ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering function, enhanced in the higher trims with navigation-linked speed adjustments. Though crash-test results were pending at the time of review, Nissan's improvements in vehicle safety architecture promised robust collision protection.