2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a testament to the brand's commitment to luxury and ruggedness. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had evolved into a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a unique blend of retro styling with modern luxury, featuring a hand-built construction in Austria. Inside, the G-Class boasted a sophisticated interior with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its reputation as a practical and stylish compact crossover. The redesign from the previous year gave it a more mature appearance, aligning it with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. The Rogue featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector and ample storage space. The Rogue's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating and generous cargo space, making it an ideal choice for families and commuters alike.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the hefty SUV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class was equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, offering dynamic driving programs for various terrains. Its off-road capabilities were further enhanced by adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials. The G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its impressive performance, the G-Class had a fuel economy of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a notable improvement over the previous model, enhancing the Rogue's performance across various driving conditions. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, providing better acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with a tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet, making it agile and easy to maneuver.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was roomy, with ample storage options and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a distinctive exterior spare tire, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in practicality, with numerous storage options throughout the cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with USB ports and charging options for both front and rear passengers. The Rogue's spacious cargo area and thoughtful design made it a versatile choice for families and those needing ample storage space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with advanced technology, featuring twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens allowed drivers to tailor the display to their preferences, complemented by a Burmester Surround Sound system for an immersive experience. The G-Class included the latest COMAND system with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offering intuitive control. While it lacked wireless charging, it provided multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, along with standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from 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. The Rogue offered seamless integration with navigation systems, using Google Maps and Waze with voice commands. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, provided advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience. The Rogue's Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors, adding to its user-friendly design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class prioritized safety with its robust body-on-frame construction and a suite of standard safety features. These included a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering comprehensive safety technologies across all trims. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also offered advanced driver-assist features with ProPilot Assist, providing Level 2 automation for enhanced safety. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2021 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.