2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, had a sticker price of $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, boxy and tall, sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic AWD system. It featured a long, flat hood, upright windshield, large side windows, and a vertical rear liftgate, emphasizing function over form. The test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, exuded style and attitude. Priced at $55,890, it was loaded with options including metallic paint, adaptive damping suspension, ambient lighting, and a Burmester premium sound system. The interior, with dual 10.25-inch screens and ambient lighting, blended high style with simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status within the Mercedes lineup.

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 merely adequate. The CVT managed to make the most of the engine's 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 testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB, available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, feeling faster due to the engine's wide torque band and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The 4Matic AWD system optimized grip and performance, with an Off-Road mode for maximum traction. The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine specifications, the GLB provided a remarkable driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, and fuel economy fell short at 21.4 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was less accommodating for taller drivers, with seats that were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for optimal comfort. The back seat, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a high seating position, making it a preferred spot for passengers. The panoramic glass sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports added to the rear seat's appeal. Cargo space was generous, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments, along with a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its compact size, offered generous interior dimensions, even accommodating an optional third row of seats. The GLB comfortably seated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and excellent outward visibility. The second-row seat could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers or cargo. The test vehicle's front seats provided power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. The second-row seat was more suitable for two passengers due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down, highlighting the benefits of a traditional SUV roofline.

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 outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response times. The MBUX infotainment system offered natural voice recognition, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality and stylish speaker grilles, enhancing the GLB's tech appeal.

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 were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and subpar ratings from IIHS.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package offered advanced systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Enhancements to Pre-Safe technology added rear-impact preparation and ear protection. The GLB's safety systems operated with accuracy and refinement, though crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.