2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior materials were high-quality, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design appeared outdated, especially compared to the all-digital displays in competitors like the 2022 Nissan Rogue. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, though it was more of a gimmick than a useful feature.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design that debuted in 2021. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims added LED fog lamps and active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Rogue's exterior was sleek, with a slightly bulging liftgate completing the look.

Inside, the Rogue showcased a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed appearance. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for additional storage. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned near the driver’s eye line, and the instrument panel offered either a 7-inch display or a 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims. The Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable, and the second row provided ample legroom for two adults.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions found in some competitors. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its class. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this feature unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, borrowed from the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous 2.5-liter engine. The VC-Turbo engine featured Variable Compression technology, which adjusted the compression ratio for optimal performance and efficiency. The Rogue achieved an impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The Rogue's new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power well, delivering a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering provided good feedback, and the 35.4-foot turning diameter was tight and maneuverable.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin had numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly, and many functions were buried deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured significant technology upgrades, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link was available for advanced driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.