Suv savvy: nissan rogue vs. ford explorer – which suv meets your needs?

In the competitive midsize SUV market, two formidable contenders stand out: the Nissan Rogue and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and comfort. But which one deserves a place in your driveway? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Nissan Rogue vs. Ford Explorer to determine the ultimate victor.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Under the hood, the Rogue boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer, on the other hand, offers a more powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Rogue slightly edges out the Explorer with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway versus 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.

Safety Features

Both the Rogue and the Explorer have a robust suite of safety features. The Rogue comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Explorer offers a comparable level of safety with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Rogue offers a spacious and comfortable interior with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. Its seats are supportive and provide good cushioning. The Explorer has a slightly larger interior with more cargo space behind the third row of seats. However, the Rogue’s interior is more refined and upscale, with premium materials and a sleek design.

Technology and Infotainment

The Rogue and the Explorer both feature user-friendly infotainment systems. The Rogue’s 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, while the Explorer’s 10.1-inch touchscreen is larger and offers a more advanced interface. Both systems support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Off-Road Capabilities

If off-road adventures are your thing, the Explorer has a slight advantage over the Rogue. The Explorer offers a Terrain Management System that allows you to select different driving modes for various road conditions. The Rogue, while not as capable off-road, still offers a decent amount of ground clearance for tackling mild trails.

Towing Capacity

For those who need to tow heavy loads, the Explorer has a higher towing capacity of 5,600 pounds compared to the Rogue’s 1,350 pounds. However, it’s important to note that towing capacity is affected by factors such as engine choice and trim level.

Value and Pricing

The Nissan Rogue has a starting price of $26,590, while the Ford Explorer starts at $33,545. For a similar level of equipment, the Rogue is the more affordable option. However, the Explorer offers more powerful engine options and a larger interior, which may justify the higher price for some buyers.

Which is Right for You?

Choosing between the Nissan Rogue and the Ford Explorer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient, affordable, and comfortable midsize SUV, the Rogue is an excellent choice. If you need a more powerful vehicle with a larger interior and enhanced off-road capabilities, the Explorer is a better fit.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
Ford Explorer

2. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
Ford Explorer

3. Which vehicle offers a more advanced infotainment system?
Ford Explorer

4. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
Nissan Rogue

5. Which vehicle has a lower starting price?