2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. This lack of luxury was a significant drawback, especially when compared to more affordable competitors offering better interior quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue maintained an attractive appearance despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and appealing 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. However, the interior design showed its age, with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's interior did have some thoughtful touches, such as padded centre console sides for driver comfort, but overall, it lacked the modernity and refinement expected in newer models.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a hybrid option with a net 318 hp. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher cost. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 2,268 to 2,540 kilograms, depending on the engine, and it featured seven drive modes for various conditions.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was equipped with a single 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during highway merging or passing. Its fuel efficiency was also disappointing, with real-world consumption higher than expected. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies, but its steering and suspension left much to be desired, making it less enjoyable to drive.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers, even in the third row. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. However, the Explorer sacrificed some cargo space for passenger comfort, with 509 litres behind the third row and 1,359 litres behind the second row. With all seats folded, it offered 2,491 litres of cargo space. The Explorer's controls were user-friendly, but thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, while featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were not ideal for taller drivers due to limited adjustability. However, the rear seats offered excellent comfort and visibility, with ample legroom and a panoramic moonroof. The Rogue's cargo area was spacious, with 1,112 litres behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage. However, in-cabin storage was limited, with only the glove compartment providing significant space.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external Wi-Fi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system was available but needed refinement to match competitors' offerings.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It also had adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included ProPilot Assist, but it felt dated compared to newer systems. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to issues with frontal-impact protection.