2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 GMC Yukon

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by standard LED headlamps in a narrow and angled configuration. The inclusion of functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the vehicle'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, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces in most grades, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available in higher trims, enhancing the interior's appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that embraced chrome to create a premium look, especially evident in the Denali trim with its vast, multi-dimensional grille. The Denali's front was dominated by chrome, giving it a unique and commanding presence. The Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, with second-row captain's chairs available to reduce capacity to seven. The interior featured perforated leather seats in most trims, with heated and cooled front seats in the AT4 and Denali. The Denali also boasted exclusive interior designs, adding layers and textures for a premium feel. The AT4 trim had a distinct off-road-oriented look, with unique front styling and features like a skid plate and red recovery hooks.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, available at 3,600 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while not offering alternate powertrains, provided a standard level of performance across the lineup. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive configuration achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version recorded 9.2 city and 7.2 highway. The Rogue's handling was improved with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension, offering a stable and planted road feel.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 3,810 kg, achievable with the 5.3-litre engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8, had a tow rating of 3,629 kg. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension enhanced ride comfort and off-road capability.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured several functional updates, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space under the centre stack. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access to the second row, which offered 996 mm of headroom without the moonroof. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors, with upgrades available in higher trims. The cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres available with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system offered a 5 cm cargo floor height adjustment and a panel for separating cargo.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a significant increase in third-row legroom to 886 mm. The cargo space behind the third row increased to 722 litres. The Yukon's wheelbase stretch and independent rear suspension contributed to the additional space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The pushbutton transmission controls were located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, requiring some acclimation.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable upgrade, though the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre, a 15-inch head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Denali trim had a Bose 14-speaker audio system, though the sound quality was not as rich as expected. The rear-seat media system included dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite, with features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with the Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror were additional safety features. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with specific ratings for front crash protection, side crash protection, and rollover resistance.