2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered a range of trims, from the base model to the A-Spec Platinum Elite and the PMC Edition, with starting prices ranging from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a $2,375 destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, boasted high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, making it a stylish and comfortable choice despite its price.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a conservative design approach, featuring proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices starting at $30,898 for the base S FWD and reaching $43,748 for the Platinum, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came with AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. While the Rogue's design was appealing, it edged toward the price range of the Infiniti QX50, Nissan’s luxury brand, but offered a comprehensive list of features for its segment.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, provided an engaging driving experience. The RDX featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing its agility on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered distinct driving modes, contributing to a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. Despite its dynamic capabilities, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue introduced a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the VC-Turbo powertrain improved urban and suburban responsiveness, it lacked highway passing power and exhibited some vibration and noise. The Rogue averaged 8.1 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, slightly missing its expected fuel economy. The SUV featured Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control for enhanced ride quality and cornering, but its steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires provided modest grip.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, while the back seat, though spacious, lacked support. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and included a power liftgate with available hands-free operation.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity front seats. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and quilted pleats that felt uncomfortable. The Rogue provided 1,028 litres of cargo space with the moonroof, expandable to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded, and included a hands-free power liftgate and underfloor storage areas.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI required acclimation, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Technology package added a navigation system, and higher trims offered a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. The test vehicle featured a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology was limited, but the Rogue included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured a rear seatbelt reminder system and the AcuraWatch suite, which included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated small overlap and side-impact tests.