2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a fresh, technical appearance that made it look more like an SUV than a car. Its exterior featured dark gray plastic cladding along the lower perimeter, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection, which added a rugged touch, though perhaps a bit too audaciously on the back bumper. The modern aesthetic was further enhanced by clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design. Aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter were standard across all trims, and the optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment gave the Rogue a custom look. The interior of the Rogue SL test vehicle was light and bright, thanks to an Almond color leather interior and a standard panoramic glass sunroof. The cabin featured abundant soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, lending a sense of quality. The controls were arranged in a clean and logical fashion, and the Platinum trim offered quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting for a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, maintained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its military origins. The G-Class had a rugged, retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class offered a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, both customizable for layout and color. The cabin's multicolor ambient lighting allowed for a personalized atmosphere. Despite its origins as a military vehicle, the G-Class had become a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. The G550 model started at $131,750, while the AMG G63 began at $156,450, with extensive customization options available through the G Manufaktur Program.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine struggled with the SUV's nearly 3,500-pound weight, especially in mountainous terrain. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, with programmed ratios that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Rogue offered all-wheel drive, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes for light off-road adventures. Fuel economy for the tested Rogue SL with front-wheel drive was 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The Rogue's ride and handling were enhanced by a new architecture with 35% high-strength steel, a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and advanced control systems. The steering was notably improved, providing a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 5,551-pound curb weight, the G550 was quick, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. It used a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G550 had a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a supple ride with minimal body roll. The G-Class offered adjustable suspension and damping, as well as three locking differentials for off-road capability. The AMG G63 variant increased power to 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Fuel economy for the G550 was 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway, while the G63 was rated at 13/16 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured improved Zero Gravity seats, offering comfort across all trims. The S trim had cloth upholstery, while the SV offered leatherette, and the SL and Platinum trims had leather and premium leather, respectively. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available, though ventilated seats were not offered. The Rogue's interior was quieter due to aerodynamic improvements and acoustic glass. Storage was ample, with a new electronic shifter freeing up space under the center console. Cargo capacity was 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV trims, and 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims, with a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. Heated front and rear seats were standard, but ventilated seats required an expensive package. The G550's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, a convenient and stylish feature.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment package with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the S trim. The SV and SL trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim also included wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 boasted twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment, customizable for layout and color. The COMAND system was controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the G550 included three USB and two 12-volt outlets. WiFi was standard with a one-month trial, but wireless device charging was not available. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Mercedes me connect services for three years.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. The SV trim added adaptive cruise control with ProPilot Assist, which was further enhanced with Navi-link technology in the SL Premium Package and Platinum trim. Crash-test results were unavailable, but the increased use of high-strength steel suggested improved crash protection.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 included numerous safety systems as standard, such as a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist was noted for its abrupt intervention, which could be distracting. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.