Compact suv mastery: nissan rogue vs. jeep patriot – the unbiased verdict

In the realm of compact SUVs, two titans clash: the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Patriot. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and off-road capabilities. But which one emerges as the undisputed champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of these SUVs, from performance to safety, to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: A Balancing Act

Engine Options: The Rogue boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Patriot, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Efficiency: The Rogue returns an impressive 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Patriot’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine option. The 2.0-liter engine achieves 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the 2.4-liter engine delivers 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Off-Road Prowess

Handling: The Rogue offers a comfortable and composed ride on paved roads, with responsive steering and well-controlled body roll. The Patriot, too, handles well on paved surfaces, but its body leans more in corners.

Off-Road Capabilities: The Rogue is not particularly suited for serious off-roading, but its all-wheel drive system provides some added traction in slippery conditions. The Patriot, with its rugged Trail Rated badge, is the clear winner in this category, offering a more capable four-wheel drive system and a higher ground clearance.

Interior: Space and Amenities

Passenger Space: Both the Rogue and the Patriot offer ample passenger space, with comfortable seating for five. However, the Rogue’s interior feels more spacious, with more legroom and headroom for rear passengers.

Cargo Capacity: The Rogue provides a generous 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, which can be expanded to 70 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Patriot offers a slightly smaller 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be expanded to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Infotainment Systems: The Rogue’s infotainment system is user-friendly and features a clear touchscreen, while the Patriot’s system is less intuitive and has a smaller screen. Both SUVs offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Safety: Protecting Your Precious Cargo

Safety Features: Both the Rogue and the Patriot come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Rogue adds lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features, while the Patriot offers these features as optional extras.

Crash Test Ratings: The Rogue has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Patriot has received a four-star overall rating. The Rogue also performed better in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, earning a “Good” rating in all crashworthiness categories.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability: According to J.D. Power, the Rogue has a slightly better reliability record than the Patriot. The Rogue has received a “Good” rating, while the Patriot received an “Average” rating.

Maintenance Costs: The average annual maintenance cost for the Rogue is estimated at $450, while the Patriot’s average annual maintenance cost is estimated at $500.

Price and Value

MSRP: The Nissan Rogue has a starting MSRP of $26,300, while the Jeep Patriot has a starting MSRP of $22,995.

Value: The Rogue offers a more well-rounded package for the price, with a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.

The Verdict: A Close Contest, but the Rogue Prevails

In a close and fiercely contested battle, the Nissan Rogue emerges as the victor. It offers a better balance of performance, fuel efficiency, interior space, safety, and reliability. While the Jeep Patriot is a capable and more affordable option, its limited interior space, lower fuel economy, and less impressive safety features ultimately hold it back.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Rogue or the Patriot?
A: The Nissan Rogue is more fuel-efficient, returning 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Patriot’s 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (with the 2.0-liter engine).

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Rogue has a more spacious interior, with more legroom and headroom for rear passengers.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Nissan Rogue has a slightly better reliability record than the Jeep Patriot, according to J.D. Power.