2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our 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 remained attractive, featuring a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its appeal. However, the interior 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 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came in six distinct versions, each with unique styling cues. The base LS and popular LT had different grille patterns, while the sporty RST featured a slotted grille and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined a blacked-out look with off-roading enhancements, and the upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels. Standard LED headlights and expressive taillights enhanced the Tahoe’s design. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the LS to $72,600 for the High Country. Our Z71 test vehicle, equipped with multiple option packages, totaled $76,225. The Tahoe’s interior featured leather seats starting with the LT trim, a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen, and new electronic transmission controls, though the control layout was somewhat compromised.

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, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but our testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn’t particularly fun to drive, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country’s exclusive 6.2-liter V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, available for most trims, offered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, promising better fuel efficiency. The Tahoe’s 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system optional except for the Z71, which included off-roading enhancements. The new independent rear suspension, coupled with adaptive damping and air suspension, significantly improved ride quality. The 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed transmission provided ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble. The Tahoe’s handling was commendable, with the Z71’s suspension upgrades controlling body roll and excessive motion.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior comfort was compromised for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and legroom. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, making them more comfortable for passengers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area provided 39 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe’s new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console offered versatile storage options. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, with easy access to the third-row seat. The third-row seat provided ample room for adults. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.6 cubic feet with the seat folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, 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. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power, over-the-air updates, and improved cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the main-menu shortcut icons were somewhat hard to use. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system and a wireless charging pad. The available 15-inch head-up display was not included in the test vehicle.

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 a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims and options added lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear pedestrian detection. Premier and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe’s safety features worked as expected, with no false alerts. The available surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.