2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a more 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 simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior.

The 2021 Nissan Armada received a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature exterior style. The SUV's redesign included a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED lighting, maintaining its traditional beefy and athletic body styling. The Armada's exterior featured body-colour over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield. It rode on either 20- or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, depending on the trim. The Armada's new logo was prominently displayed, and a new exterior colour, Coulis Red Pearl, was added. Despite these updates, the interior remained somewhat dated, with design choices that detracted from its overall aesthetic.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine improved both performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kilograms for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kilograms for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was enhanced by a 27% improvement in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with figures of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.0 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, the Armada offered automatic four-wheel drive as standard. Despite its weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 centimetres of ground clearance. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with estimates of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway. The Armada's handling improved with each revision, but its turning radius and maneuverability remained typical for a large SUV.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered several functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor and other amenities, while the Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering up to 2,064 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, provided ample space and practicality. Standard running boards and in-cabin handles facilitated entry and exit. The Armada's dashboard was broad, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen positioned at a distance from the driver. Front seats were power-adjustable, and the Platinum trim offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 2,692 litres with the second and third rows folded. However, the high load floor made loading and unloading challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade offered a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose audio system. However, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were difficult to read.

The 2021 Nissan Armada boasted a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering navigation, a Bose stereo system, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Platinum trim included a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Armada's steering wheel allowed limited control of the infotainment system, but it lacked the sophistication of other SUVs.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, including features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. However, the Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist. The NHTSA gave the Armada a three-star rollover rating.