2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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, 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, though the bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells were a bit much. The 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added to its appeal.

Inside, the Rogue's age showed more clearly. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms felt dated compared to modern designs favoring wide, horizontal, angular motifs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while not the most striking SUV, had a more refined look compared to its predecessors. The aggressive nose and sloping hood promised more than the rest of the design delivered, with the rear end and flat taillights attempting to overcome its minivan-like tendencies. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, but it still couldn't compete with the aesthetics of rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the GLE's interior was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures, with a red and black interior that was both loud and luxurious. The twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede made it a delight to touch and operate, despite some flimsy controls.

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 brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was lackluster, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with a complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 featured self-leveling air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems offered advanced handling capabilities, including leaning into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe tested had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it wasn't as thrilling as expected. The GLE 450's turbo 3.0-liter inline-six produced 362 hp, while the AMG GLE 53 reached 429 hp. The GLE 580's twin-turbo V8 delivered 483 hp, and the GLE 63 S topped out at 603 hp. All models, except the base GLE 350, were hybrids with a 48-volt battery system, enhancing performance and efficiency. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and impressive ride quality and steering.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The front seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity cushion designs, were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for taller drivers. The back seat, however, offered excellent comfort with high seat cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic glass sunroof and rear air conditioning vents added to the rear passengers' comfort. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models featuring two rows of seats and an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats had power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, and the third row was accessible via buttons at the rear doors. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers and had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with a single touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls, suspension settings, and driving mode shortcuts were easy to use, though the thumbpads on the steering wheel were less intuitive. The GLE's interior was highly customizable, with features like heated armrests, ambient lighting, and advanced navigation aids.

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 with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. Subscription-based services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote engine starting, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's main 12-inch display was a touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system could be controlled via a touchpad or thumbpad, with a simplified interface and search bars for easy navigation. The AMG models featured a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The GLE's interior boasted advanced features like seat kinetics, heated armrests, ambient lighting, and a highly customizable head-up display. The natural voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" and learned new commands over time. The GLE's semi-automated functionality included lane changes and curve slowing, making it one of the most technologically advanced SUVs available.

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 the NHTSA and subpar ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in six crash tests and for its standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for enhanced crash protection.