2020 Nissan Rogue vs Honda CR-V

The 2020 Nissan Rogue is a crossover SUV that can seat up to five people. The 2020 Honda CR-V is designated as a mid-sized SUV, though it actually has a smaller wheelbase than the Nissan Rogue. The CR-V can also accommodate up to five passengers. Both are similarly priced at just over $25,000.00 for their base models.

Crossover SUVs have become increasingly popular. They offer the extra interior space of their bigger SUV counterparts, but in a smaller package. This makes them easier to park and maneuver. The CR-V and Rogue both offer excellent steering dynamics on par with most high-end sedans.

Honda's CR-V has been one of the best-selling vehicles in this class for several years now. The company is known for their reliability and long-lasting engines. Nissan's Rogue just may give the Honda some serious competition in 2020. We will take a close look at how these two vehicles are similar and where they differ.

The Powertrain

For 2020, Nissan offers the Rogue in three different trim levels. All are equipped with the same engine. The Rogue's power plant is a 2.5-liter I-4 engine with 16 valves and dual overhead cams. This motor can crank out 176 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions-per-minute (rpm). It produces 175 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.

All three trim levels are available as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. Nissan uses an Intelligent AWD system for better traction over different road conditions and terrain types. All models are equipped with continuously-variably transmissions that have overdrive and an auto-manual function.

AWD models of the Rogue have a combined fuel-economy rating of 27 miles-per-gallon (mpg). Specifically, this is 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. FWD models do slightly better with a combined rating of 29 mpg, or 33 highway miles and 26 city miles. The Rogue can tow a respectable 1,102 pounds.

Acceleration is a bit on the sluggish side, but the Rogue does have fine steering and handling. An electronic, power-steering system makes small adjustments according to the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system makes for a smooth ride. There's an independent strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Nissan provides basic warranty coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain falls under warranty coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Reliability rankings are scarce for the 2020 models, but one can usually tell a great deal by looking at the performance of past years. J.D. Power rates the 2019 Nissan Rogue an 82 out of 100 in their Reliability and Quality category.

The 2020 Honda CR-V comes in four different trim levels and two major configurations. You can get a CR-V with a standard, gasoline engine or a hybrid model. Both styles share the same four trim packages. Just like the Rogue, the CR-V only comes with one gasoline engine. This time, it's a 1.5-liter, turbocharged I-4 with 16 valves and dual overhead cams.

Honda's turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. That's a bit more than the Nissan, but not by too much. It can be felt when accelerating from a dead stop or when passing other vehicles at highway speeds, though.

Again, like the Rogue, the CR-V offers a continuously-variable transmission. Honda has been using CVTs on a lot of models lately. It's a relatively new transmission type and Honda's experience with them is starting to show. It doesn't shift through gears in the traditional sense, but the operation is accurate and smooth.

The CR-V can be had in FWD or AWD models. Once again, the CR-V and Rogue are almost identical here. The Honda can tow a bit more with a rating of up to 1,500 pounds. Steering is a bit tighter and more accurate in the CR-V. MacPherson struts and a solid suspension system do their job well.

The 2020 Honda CR-V in FWD gets a combined fuel-economy rating of 30 mpg. It gets 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. AWD models, as usual, will get one or two miles-per-gallon less than their FWD counterparts. The hybrid model has a combined fuel-economy rating of 38 mpg, making it the best choice if you want to save money at the pump.

The increased fuel efficiency of the hybrid models comes at the expense of the CR-V's horsepower. The hybrid engine power depends on what mode you drive in. The electric motor can crank out 212 horses and whopping 232 pound-feet of torque. Driving in gasoline or hybrid mode drops the horsepower down to around 143.

Honda is a brand name that's synonymous with reliability. Their engines are known for lasting for years and many miles. While the 2020 model has not yet been rated as of the time of this article's completion, the 2019 models were rated an 81 out of 100 for reliability by J.D. Power. This is surprisingly one point lower than what the Nissan Rogue scored.

Honda offers the same warranty coverage as Nissan does here. You get basic coverage of 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain gets some extra coverage. It's covered for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Drivability

As previously stated, the Nissan Rogue has great steering and handling. The seats are super comfortable and the ride quality is fantastic. The engine runs smooth and the cabin remains quiet at all times. The suspension system nicely soaks up whatever the road throws its way. No vibrations are felt at any time here.

The interior is wide open and spacious in the Nissan Rogue. Every seating position has plenty of head and leg room. The seats can be easily accessed at every row. A 6-way manual driver's seat is standard for the base model. The higher trims get an 8-way, power-adjustable model with 2-way lumbar support.

Higher trim levels also offer leather-trimmed upholstery. A heated steering wheel can be had. The interior is beautifully designs with a modern and clean look. Air conditioning is included with the base model. The two higher trims get Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control.

Cargo space is one of the best reasons to choose an SUV or crossover vehicle. The Nissan Rogue gives you plenty of options. If all of the seats will be filled with passengers, you still get around 39.3 cubic-feet of storage space in back. With the rear seats folded down, this can be increased up to 70 cubic feet of space.

Every trim level comes with an infotainment system that features a 7-inch touchscreen display. Some controls for the system are located on the steering wheel for easy access. Nissan's Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic Alerts is available on the higher trim packages. Voice recognition allows for hands-free use on a number of features.

Nissan's infotainment system is compatible with the ever-popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth technology allows for smartphone connectivity and hands-free calling. An AM/FM stereo and CD player are standard. Nissan also makes a premium Bose system available with nine speakers and dual driver woofers.

Honda's 2020 CR-V offers slightly better steering dynamics than what the Nissan provides. The noise levels are about the same with perhaps just a bit more engine noise out of the Honda at highway speeds. Interior space is similar here with a comfortable amount of room for all of your passengers.

The CR-V gives owners more cargo space than the Nissan Rogue. Three different configurations give owners a lot of options for different numbers of passengers and storage needs. The CR-V can be setup for 37.6, 39.2 or 75.8 cubic-feet of cargo space.

Honda offers more comfortable seats than the Nissan. They are also heated on all but the base model. The driver's seat has 6-way manual adjustments. Every other trim level has 12-way power adjustments and 4-way lumbar support, which is a big upgrade over what Nissan has to offer.

The base model of the CR-V has a nice 160-watt sound system with four speakers. A 180-watt system with six speakers and a 330-watt system with nine speakers are also available. Most trims get a 7-inch electrostatic touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are here just like in the Nissan.

Honda's infotainment system has Bluetooth technology for connectivity, music streaming and hands-free use of your smartphone. There are USB charging points up front and for the second-row passengers. Wireless charging is also available at the higher trim levels.

Safety

The 2020 Nissan Rogue has an Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags. There are also supplemental side airbags for everyone riding up front. Curtain airbags offer extra protection for this in the rear seats.

Nissan uses what it calls Zone Body Construction. Crumple zones up front and in back help to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The passenger compartment is reinforced, and there is an energy-absorbing steering column. Solid steel side-door guard beams add yet another level of protection for your passengers.

Nissan has some useful safety tech and driver-assist features on tap for the Rogue. There's a tire-pressure monitor. The Rogue also has a rear-view monitor, a blind spot warning and automatic braking. A rear sonar system helps avoid hitting pedestrians, animals and objects when reversing.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the latest Nissan Rogue it's highest rating of "Good," in a number of categories. Some of these include roof strength, side impacts and moderate overlap front crashes. A security system is also standard on all models.

The 2020 Honda CR-V has Advanced Airbags up front, front-side airbags and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. 3-point seat belts are standard for every position. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering, or ACE Body Structure, is comparable to Nissan's Zone Body Construction.

The CR-V offers a multi-angle, rear-view camera with guidelines to help you in any reversing or parking scenario. A forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning give the driver more awareness of their surroundings. Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control is standard on all trim levels.

Honda scores a "Good," rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in all of the same categories that the Nissan Rogue did. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the CR-V a perfect, five-star rating for overall safety.

Which Has the Best Value?

The base models of the 2020 Nissan Rogue and 2020 Honda CR-V have a similar price. The Honda comes in at about $150 less. This difference is negligible and can quickly be wiped out with added options. For the greatest savings on fuel, the Honda CR-V may be your best bet.

The technology and safety equipment is pretty comparable between these two vehicles at every trim level. Honda offers a bit more pep and more horsepower for similar prices. Nissan may win out a bit when it comes to interior space and comfort, though Honda also provides more cargo space.

Which is Better?

These two SUVs are so similar in so many categories that your choice may come down to more trivial things. Some will appreciate the Honda's more athletic, sporty appearance. Honda offers slightly better performance, more power and more cargo space.

Both vehicles seem to be reliable and well constructed. Both have ample safety equipment and features. The Nissan does a bit better with technology and convenience features. If performance and practicality are your priorities, go with the Honda. If convenience and comfort mean more to you, the Nissan might be your best bet.