2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design. This approach was appreciated, as it avoided unnecessary styling changes that could detract from the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its already impressive presence. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a simpler design. The test car, an SL trim with front-wheel drive, was priced at $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive, with a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's center console sides were padded for driver comfort, a thoughtful touch, but overall, the interior lacked the modern appeal found in newer designs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, possibly due to climate control use or hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over 28.4 miles in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a notable improvement over previous models. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration, adaptive air suspension, and various driving modes, making it both athletic and comfortable. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's off-roading capabilities remained intact, with a fording depth of 33.4 inches. Recharging the battery was frustrating, often not reaching full capacity despite extended charging times.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD models, but the test vehicle only achieved 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the SUV was not particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a chore to drive.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's higher price tag came with a compromise in cargo space. The battery's placement under the raised cargo floor reduced the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot space behind the back seat, and items tended to fall out when the tailgate was opened. However, the SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle's 4-zone automatic climate control and panoramic glass roof were highlights, though practical storage was limited.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and legroom. The seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were undersized. Rear-seat passengers fared better, with high seat cushions, good thigh support, and a panoramic glass sunroof providing an excellent view. The Rogue offered 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, along with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system, making it more practical for carrying items.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and occasionally frustrating. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unexpectedly, with delayed reactions and a lack of haptic feedback. While the technology was necessary to manage the SUV's complexity, it could be bewildering for technophobes.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), but the technology could be distracting. The optional Driver Assist Package's steering-assist system was aggressive, causing head-toss and abrupt lane-keeping assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's standard Safety Shield 360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering was once advanced but now felt dated. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a concerning 3-star rating for driver protection in frontal impacts. The IIHS also noted issues with the Rogue's headlights and front-passenger protection.