2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an appealing yet slightly exaggerated look. Inside, the Rogue's age showed through its waterfall control panel and rounded surfaces, which contrasted with the more modern, angular designs of its competitors. Despite the less impressive plastic surfaces, the padded centre console sides provided a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 boasted a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's current lineup through features like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge variant stood out with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, offering a subtle distinction for electric-car enthusiasts. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 accommodated both gasoline and electric powertrains seamlessly. Inside, the XC40's minimalist design and high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, created a premium feel, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a pleasing whole.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Weighing 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed to make the most of the available power, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially when merging onto highways or climbing grades. Fuel efficiency was another area of concern, with the Rogue achieving no better than 9.4 L/100 km during testing, despite official ratings suggesting 8.2 L/100 km for FWD models. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive due to its heavy steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a more diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline T4 and T5 models featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 187 hp and 221 lb-ft, and 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, respectively. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, delivering 402 hp and 486 lb-ft through dual electric motors and a 78-kWh battery. The Recharge accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge also offered one-pedal driving, enhancing its electric driving experience, and had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, they were somewhat undersized, and taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support and legroom, with a high seating position and a panoramic glass moonroof enhancing the experience. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area was generous, with 1,112 litres of space and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and Recharge variants, offered less interior space compared to some competitors like the Tesla Model Y. It had less legroom and headroom, and a smaller cargo area. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was well-designed for holding a phone, and a wireless charging pad was optional. Despite the limited space, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed for practicality.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with high-quality graphics and layouts. The Recharge also supported OTA updates, allowing for software improvements without dealership visits. The lack of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature added to the modern tech appeal of the XC40.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional options included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection preventing a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for gasoline models. The Recharge variant was expected to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with optional Pilot Assist for advanced driver assistance.