SUV Comparison: 2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

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Brian Harper : It’s rather difficult to believe that considering their overwhelming prevalence on our roads — and in light of the fact they’re the most popular automotive segment in Canada — compact-sized crossovers didn’t really exist 25 years ago. It wasn’t until the likes of the Toyota RAV4, introduced to North America in 1996 and followed by the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V a year later, that buyers began to notice the appeal of these funky little rigs.

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Fast-forward to today and just about every automaker has at least one compact crossover in its model lineup and at the top of its sales charts (the exception being the Detroit Three, which, while playing in the same sandbox with the others, thrive by dint of their pickup truck sales).

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SUV Comparison: 2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Nissan Rogue Back to video

Two of the most popular crossovers in Canada are the CR-V, the fifth generation of which made its debut in 2017, with a refresh last year; and the new-for-2021 third-generation Nissan Rogue. Suburban commuters not designed for wild adventuring deep in the woods — hence the term “soft-roaders” or, my favourite, “mall assault vehicles” — they are direct competitors, priced and sized to chase the same buyers. This is a righteous comparison, Renita. Initial thoughts?

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Renita Naraine: I’ve never heard of these being called “mall assault vehicles,” but that might be my new favourite term. This is a great comparison between two well-known, non-luxury models, and it’s going to be pretty tough to pick a winner.

We’re testing the mid-trim level of the Rogue, the SV AWD, with the available Premium package ($37,098 as equipped). And for that price, you get quite a bit of tech, mixed with standard safety and security features, including an awesome camera that’s enabled with the simple click of a button and allows you to use it whenever you deem necessary, even if forward parking.

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For what it’s worth, if you can live without Bose speakers (I’m not trying to bump up the bass of Disney songs), Navi-Link, a head-up display and a few other minor features, then I wouldn’t even consider spending the extra bucks for the top Platinum trim that boasts the exact same fuel economy.

That said, the top trim CR-V Black Edition tester had its own set of features, a few more than found in the Rogue, as well as a price of $43,870. But for more than $6,000 over the tested Rogue, you’re bound to get more tech, such as a navigation system and a pretty snazzy black-on-black interior. I recently drove the CR-V Sport, the third trim level of six, which may have been a bit better suited to compare, in terms of price, but unavailable for this specific comparison. Both vehicles had simple and easy-to-use technology and I really appreciated that. What do you think, Brian?

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BH: You’re right, this is going to be a tough one. Both the CR-V and Rogue travel ruler-straight down the middle of the road. They are not sporty nor are they luxurious; they are family rides. That said, the CR-V’s top-of-the-heap Black Edition trim and its almost-$44K price tries to push its way into the near-luxury sub-segment. It’s a step too far, especially when compared with something such as Mazda’s CX-5 Signature, which, in addition to a richer-looking cabin, also comes with a significantly more powerful turbo engine.

This brings me to my one beef with both the Nissan and Honda — no engine choice. Look, both crossovers have adequate power, a 190-horsepower, 1.5-litre turbo four in the CR-V; and a 2.5L normally aspirated four in the Rogue, the engine getting a power bump for 2021 to 181 hp. Solid engines, both. And pretty much equal in the fuel economy department. But competitors such as the Chevy Equinox, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and the CX-5 (and others) offer more than one powerplant, allowing buyers to upgrade to a sportier, more engaging ride. An opportunity missed, in my book.

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Moving on, I found the ride firm for both vehicles, notably over patched tarmac, though the Rogue had better steering feel. Agreed?

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RN: You’re absolutely right. While the CR-V was lighter and somewhat easier drive, it was the Rogue’s heavier and better steering that got my attention. The heaviness gave it a secure and safer feeling, almost as if I was in a bigger vehicle, like a minivan. The CR-V, though it was quite smooth, drove more like a lighter — and wider — sedan. Speaking of driving, I’m not a fan of the Rogue’s gearshift that tried to be unique but failed. I’m not sure why manufacturers are obsessed with upgrading every bit of technology in cars — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Thankfully, the CR-V had a normal gearshift, though that may change with the next generation.

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Speaking of the next generation, I can happily say I was able to fit all three of my car seats into both vehicles, though it was a snug fit, and I did have to get into the back seat and shove my hand in between the two car seats to help my daughter find her buckle. On Nissan’s website, it claims the Rogue is a “mid-sized crossover for every family.” Yes, it’s a mid-size crossover that would be great for families with one or two kids, but definitely not great for every family. Certainly not one that regularly needs three car seats. You don’t need car seats though, Brian. What did you think of the space?

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BH: Front-seat accommodations is not the issue. But being on the plus side of six-foot and with long legs, I often find compact crossovers a tight fit when trying out the back seats. Not with these two. The CR-V in particular gets a shout-out for rear-seat room, my knees near but not touching the front seat back. With the Rogue, my knees are lightly brushing the seat back. Though the Rogue’s cabin is larger than the CR-V’s — 2,985 litres to 2,877 — the two crossovers trade roominess. The Honda has superior rear-seat headroom and legroom as well as front-seat hip and shoulder room, the Rogue better front-seat head and legroom as well as more generous rear hip and shoulder room.

It’s a trade-off when talking cargo capacity as well. With the rear seats up, the Rogue’s 1,113 litres beat the CR-V’s 1,065 L. Seats folded, however, the CR-V’s 2,146 litres outpoint the Rogue’s 2,098 L. In the same vein, while towing capability isn’t a strong suit for either crossover, the CR-V can haul a 680-kg trailer, the Rogue only 612 kg.

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So, Renita, are we any closer in terms of preference?

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RN: We knew it that it would ultimately come down to personal preference with these two vehicles, considering they are so similar in so many ways. By the slightest of margins, if I absolutely had to pick a winner, it would be the Rogue. I loved the familiarity and simplicity of the CR-V, and it was nice to have a navigation system, but in the end, it was the Rogue’s better looks, lower price, and most importantly, the heavy driving and safe feeling that won me over. Do you agree?

BH: Yes, by a slim margin I give the nod to the Rogue. It really comes down to the CR-V being an older product, five model years old and soon to be six. The fundamentals are still sound, it’s just that it lacks some of the features of its newer rivals, including the Rogue’s ProPilot Assist, for example, as well as needing a faster, more modern infotainment system.

The Rogue has the advantage of its newness, but it doesn’t push the envelope that far compared with its predecessor. Honda can take the hit knowing that the CR-V, which should see a full overhaul for the 2023 model year, continues to outsell the Rogue despite its maturity.