2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels, though the V-Motion grille and fender swells were somewhat exaggerated. Inside, the Rogue’s age showed more clearly with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. However, the padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was unmistakable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. The Wrangler Unlimited, in particular, looked more like a recreational utility vehicle than a commuter car, thanks to its removable top, fold-down windshield, and exposed hinges and bolts. Inside, Jeep focused on a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, making the most of its ergonomic shortcomings. The Wrangler Unlimited came in Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon trims, with the Rubicon being the most rugged and off-road capable. Special editions like the Willys and Black and Tan added unique features and styling options.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single powertrain: 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 performance was merely adequate. The CVT did a good job of maximizing the available power, 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 versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque was also available. New for 2020 was a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, delivering 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine excelled in both highway and low-speed driving, though it had an abrupt engine shutoff feature. The Wrangler’s on-road experience included significant road noise, unique blind spots, and a tendency to wander on the highway, making it an acquired taste. Off-road, the Wrangler shone with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar. The diesel engine returned 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, making it more efficient than the gas-powered versions.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs and Quick Comfort heating. However, taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable seating position. The back seat was more accommodating, with a high cushion, excellent thigh support, and a panoramic glass sunroof enhancing the view. Rear passengers also benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, available in two-door and four-door versions, offered a unique experience with removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and various roof options. The base soft top could retract partially or fully, while the hardtops provided more protection from the elements. The Sky One-Touch roof offered a retractable cloth roof without manual effort. With the rear bench lowered, the Wrangler Unlimited provided about 72 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some less-capable SUVs. Despite the trade-offs in comfort and cargo space, the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities were unmatched.

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

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler’s Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, real-time traffic and weather updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio system. This system provided excellent sound quality, even at highway speeds.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which 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 safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and some dings from IIHS.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler’s standard safety equipment included airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning. These features were particularly helpful given the Wrangler’s unique sightlines and off-road capabilities.