At a Glance
- When it comes to choosing a compact SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Cherokee.
- With its standard engine, the Rogue achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Rogue offers an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction and stability in various road conditions.
When it comes to choosing a compact SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Cherokee. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, functionality, and off-road capabilities. However, there are key differences between the two that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of each SUV, examining their features, performance, safety, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the superior choice.
Performance and Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Capability
1. Engine Options and Power:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 248 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee also comes with two engine choices: a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.2-liter V6 engine that generates 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque.
2. Fuel Efficiency:
- Nissan Rogue: With its standard engine, the Rogue achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine returns 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee’s standard engine provides an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for the V6 engine slightly decreases fuel efficiency to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
3. All-Wheel Drive Systems:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction and stability in various road conditions.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee features Jeep’s renowned Active Drive I and Active Drive II all-wheel-drive systems, which provide exceptional off-road capability and enhanced handling on challenging terrains.
Interior and Cargo Space: Comfort, Convenience, and Versatility
1. Cabin Design and Comfort:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s cabin exudes a modern and refined ambiance, with comfortable seating, intuitive controls, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee’s interior combines ruggedness and sophistication, featuring supportive seats, premium materials, and an array of advanced technological features.
2. Cargo Capacity and Flexibility:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers a generous 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee provides a slightly smaller cargo area, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
3. Passenger Space and Comfort:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee provides similar levels of passenger space, with comfortable seating and sufficient legroom for adults in both rows.
Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones
1. Standard Safety Features:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee also offers a comprehensive range of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2. Advanced Safety Technologies:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue can be equipped with additional safety features like ProPILOT Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee offers similar advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system.
Off-Road Capabilities: Exploring the Untamed Wilderness
1. Trail Rated Capability:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers limited off-road capabilities, suitable for light trails and dirt roads, thanks to its intelligent all-wheel-drive system and a ground clearance of 8.2 inches.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee boasts impressive off-road prowess, earning the Trail Rated badge, which signifies its ability to tackle challenging terrains with ease. It features a more advanced all-wheel-drive system, a higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches, and skid plates for added protection.
Technology and Connectivity: Staying Connected and Informed
1. Infotainment Systems:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium Bose audio system.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee’s infotainment system includes a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium Alpine audio system.
2. Connectivity Features:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports for seamless device integration.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee provides similar connectivity features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports.
Price and Value: Weighing the Options
1. Starting Price:
- Nissan Rogue: The Nissan Rogue has a starting price of $26,490 for the base S trim.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Jeep Cherokee’s starting price is slightly higher at $27,995 for the base Latitude trim.
2. Value for Money:
- Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers excellent value for money, providing a comprehensive package of features, technology, and safety at a competitive price.
- Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee delivers exceptional off-road capabilities, advanced technology, and a comfortable interior, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile SUV.
The Bottom Line: Unveiling the Superior Choice
After meticulously comparing the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Cherokee, it becomes evident that both SUVs possess unique strengths and appeal to different types of drivers. The Nissan Rogue emerges as a formidable contender, offering a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Its starting price is also more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the Jeep Cherokee stands out with its exceptional off-road capabilities, rugged design, and a host of advanced technological features. Its higher starting price may be justified for those seeking an SUV that can conquer challenging terrains and provide a thrilling driving experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Cherokee rests upon your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Nissan Rogue or the Jeep Cherokee?
- The Nissan Rogue offers better fuel efficiency than the Jeep Cherokee, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Cherokee’s 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
2. Which SUV has a more spacious cargo area, the Nissan Rogue or the Jeep Cherokee?
- The Nissan Rogue provides a more spacious cargo area than the Jeep Cherokee, with 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, compared to the Cherokee’s 25.8 cubic feet and 54.7 cubic feet, respectively.
3. Which SUV has more advanced safety features, the Nissan Rogue or the Jeep Cherokee?
- Both the Nissan Rogue and the Jeep Cherokee offer a comprehensive range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Rogue can be equipped with additional safety features like ProPILOT Assist and a 360-degree camera system, while the Cherokee offers adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a surround-view camera system.