2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, drawing inspiration from its rugged predecessor while adapting to a more urban lifestyle. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering and minimal Ford branding, emphasizing its unique identity. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior offered a rugged yet tasteful design with practical storage solutions and an 8-inch infotainment screen.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, sharing elements with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It sported a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior featured a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, complemented by an electronic gear selector that freed up space in the centre console. The Rogue's cabin was equipped with Zero Gravity front seats and a spacious second row, offering ample legroom. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine producing 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This marked an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kg. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and optional features like a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The Rogue's second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system on higher trims and a terrain management system with multiple drive modes. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features with Level 2 driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.