2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a bold redesign that gave it a muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was limited to a few options, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim level, with the Platinum model offering the most luxurious interior.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5, on the other hand, combined Cadillac’s trademark design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in a somewhat ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models featured distinct styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter opting for darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5's interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package for its standout features. The design lacked a strong theme, unlike some of its competitors, and did not have brand-specific markers to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which was an improvement over the previous generation. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and was well-matched to the Rogue’s curb weight, ranging from 1,536 kg to 1,653 kg depending on the model. The Rogue offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the AWD model achieving 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 L/100 km on the highway. The Rogue's handling was significantly improved, with better torsional rigidity, a revamped suspension, and updated stability control systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, available on the Sport and optional on the Premium Luxury, provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The XT5's performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, while the steering was well-suited to luxury driving. The cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured several functional updates, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and the second-row headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SV trim added a 360-degree camera, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned cargo system with 1,028 litres of space with the seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered more front headroom than some German competitors but less rear headroom. It provided ample legroom in both rows, though the seats could have been more comfortable. Cargo space was generous, with 850 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the centre console featured a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a Bose audio system. However, the digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the secondary controls were less intuitive. The standard Bose sound system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, featuring emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for highway driving. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had lower ratings for headlights and child seat anchor ease of use.