2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Lexus RX

Lexus had refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, injecting it with notable upgrades both inside and out. These updates were not merely subtle tweaks but significant changes aimed at ensuring the RX's continued relevance in a crowded market. Despite its age, the RX managed to look distinctly stylish, distancing itself from its Toyota brethren.

The 2020 RX showcased standard 18-inch wheels, alongside slimmer and more sophisticated headlights and L-shaped taillights. The redesigned grille resembled the one found on Lexus sedans, giving it a cohesive brand identity. Additionally, the RX offered two new paint colors: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl.

A revitalized rear design included dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, all contributing to a modern look. An available hands-free tailgate made it more user-friendly.

Inside, the RX's cabin was a showcase of luxury and practicality. Multiple interior color choices and material combinations added a customized feel. Packages featuring wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim further enhanced the interior's elegance.

Opting for the F Sport package added a distinctive steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals, unique bumpers and grille, front seats, and 20-inch wheels, among other features. Other sophisticated additions included power-folding mirrors, LED ambient lighting, and scuff plates.

Leather-wrapped surfaces exuded luxury, while the overall design focused on durability, ideal for family use. However, the center stack’s dated appearance, loaded with buttons, reflected an older design ethos as the auto industry leaned toward sleeker interfaces.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue sported an entirely new styling, giving it a rugged rather than car-like appearance. Dark gray plastic cladding adorned the Rogue's base, and aggressive skid plates and lower door protections lent an adventurous vibe. Its bold rear bumper might have overplayed the ruggedness, but it undeniably stood out.

The Rogue’s aesthetic was completed by clean LED lights, a conspicuous V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions. Aluminum wheels, available in sizes up to 19 inches, came standard across all trims. The optional two-tone paint job with a black roof accentuated its modern look.

The Rogue was offered in four trims: the entry-level S, the popular SV, the semi-luxurious SL, and the top-tier Platinum with quilted leather seats. Destination charges added $1,095 to each price tag.

Options-wise, features like all-wheel drive and premium packages could significantly enhance the Rogue’s appeal, with various combinations available based on the chosen trim.

With a panoramic sunroof and Almond leather interior, the test vehicle felt bright and spacious. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped pillars elevated the cabin's quality. Nissan’s clean and logical layout for the controls added to the ease of use. Platinum trim took luxury up a notch with quilted leather and ambient lighting.

The Rogue's climate control panel displayed numbers reminiscent of 1980s digital clocks, and surprisingly, it retained a CD player despite offering wireless Apple CarPlay—a testament to blending nostalgia with modern technology.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This required 91 octane or higher fuel. The three-row RX 350L used a slightly detuned version, providing 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The transmission maintained smooth operations across both variants.

The RX 450h hybrid paired the same V6 with an electric motor, yielding 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, requiring 95 octane or higher fuel. The RX 450hL, the long-wheelbase version, managed just 259 horsepower from its gas engine but got an additional boost from an electric motor, totaling 165 horsepower supported by a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Its electronic CVT completed the powertrain setup.

The hybrid models included a motor assisting the front wheels, and an additional motor powered the rear axle in AWD variants, adding 67 horsepower. A third motor functioned as a generator and starter.

Acceleration was not a strong suit for the RX, taking 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. However, most drivers found its power sufficient, especially with new performance tweaks for the model year.

Fuel efficiency varied among the RX models. The RX 350 achieved 23 mpg combined, while the RX 350L and AWD versions got slightly lower numbers. The RX 450h hybrids excelled in fuel economy, with the AWD variant reaching 30 mpg combined.

The F Sport models, equipped with adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, and a heated steering wheel, offered improved agility. Various driving modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and Sport S+ (exclusive to F Sport models) allowed customization based on driving preferences.

On highways and rural roads, the RX displayed commendable maneuverability, cabin quietness, and strong braking performance.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Nissan Rogue came with a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque at specific rpm ranges. This engine was mated to a CVT, which, while decent, left the Rogue feeling somewhat underpowered given its nearly 3,500-pound weight.

Daily driving needs were adequately met, and the CVT's programmed ratios made it feel traditional, aided by paddle shifters that most might rarely use.

With available AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road, the Rogue was game for adventures. However, its naturally-aspirated engine occasionally felt underwhelming, especially in mountainous or challenging terrains.

Nissan hinted at a possible future turbocharged engine for the Rogue, perhaps the same variable-compression turbo in the Altima and Infiniti QX50. For now, the Rogue had drive modes like Standard, Sport, and Eco for different driving needs.

The tested FWD Rogue SL managed an average of 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

Based on a robust new architecture, the Rogue boasted a solid 35% composition of high-strength steel. Its suspension systems and new Vehicle Motion Control technology made it predictable, smooth, and athletic in handling, with a considerably improved steering mechanism offering better feedback.

The Lexus RX’s interior did not aim for minimalist styling; instead, it focused on functionality. The two-row RX comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L’s third-row seating was best for small children or pets, rather than adults or teenagers.

In its two-row configuration, the RX was spacious and offered decent front-seat comfort for long travels. However, the A-pillar design slightly hampered visibility around corners.

The RX's cargo space was limited compared to its rivals due to a high load floor, making it less practical for bulky items despite the easily foldable split rear seats. The three-row RX 350L and 450hL models fell short in cargo capacity, especially compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. The hands-free liftgate was a useful feature available or standard, depending on the model.

In contrast, Nissan prioritized comfort with its 2021 Rogue. The Zero Gravity seats, now improved, featured in cloth, leatherette, or premium leather configurations based on the trim. Heated seats and steering wheels were available in higher trims, enhancing comfort.

Triple-zone climate control in SL and Platinum trims allowed rear-seat passengers to control their temperature settings, complemented by standard rear air vents. The rear seats now offered more headroom and legroom, with doors opening to a wide angle for easy access. The rear bench could accommodate up to three child seats, aided by a rear-seat reminder system for safety.

Noise reduction measures in the Rogue made for a quieter cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience. Practical storage solutions included a space-saving electronic shifter, large door-panel pockets, and a smartly designed center armrest.

Cargo capacity was notable in the Rogue. The Rogue S and SV offered 31.6 cubic feet of space, while the SL and Platinum featured a Divide-N-Hide cargo system, expanding the capacity to 36.5 cubic feet. Folding the seats down maximized the volume to an impressive 74.1 cubic feet, one of the best in its segment.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system had long been criticized, but Lexus made efforts to improve user experience. The 8.0-inch standard display and 12.3-inch optional touch screen were moved closer to the driver, enhancing accessibility.

However, the system's user interface still proved challenging, with difficulties in customization and navigation. Apple CarPlay's inclusion provided a workaround, integrating familiar smartphone functionalities into the vehicle’s system.

The RX offered a plethora of compatibility options including Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, Spotify, Pandora, and more, making it versatile for tech-savvy users. The enhanced touchpad system improved interaction with the screen, and an increased number of USB ports (now six) added convenience.

The standard 12-speaker audio system sufficed for most, while a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system catered to audiophiles. Despite the industry's trends, a CD player remained to satisfy traditional preferences.

Nissan equipped the 2021 Rogue with a competitive infotainment package. The base S trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant came as a six-month trial.

Physical knobs for volume and tuning, though minimalistic, added usability. SV and SL trims came with NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. NissanConnect's functionalities like remote starting and vehicle alerts extended its utility.

Higher trims, like the SL Premium and Platinum, boasted a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, an improved voice recognition system, and a Bose audio system. These features proved user-friendly, with accurate voice commands and good audio output.

Platinum trim included wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display, offering convenience and advanced technology.

The 2020 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Other additions included daytime bicyclist and low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. During testing, these systems functioned effectively without being overbearing.

Lexus provided a three-year subscription to Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. However, connectivity issues during adverse weather conditions raised some concerns.

The RX received favorable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but they weren't impeccable, reflecting the model's age.

Safety remained a focal point for the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Its Safety Shield 360 suite included standard features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert—an excellent package at the base level.

Ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder added layers of protection. Platinum trim offered an additional airbag between the driver and front passenger.

Adaptive cruise control was standard from the SV trim, incorporated into an improved ProPilot Assist system with lane-centering assistance. Advanced radar and camera units enhanced this system's accuracy and smoothness.

SL Premium and Platinum trims featured an upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which adjusted speed based on navigation data. Though improved, the system could still exhibit unanticipated behavior, necessitating driver attentiveness.

Although the new Rogue's crash-test results were pending, a stronger architecture with higher high-strength steel content suggested improved durability and crash protection.