2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a mix of turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines, with the latter providing a more robust AWD system in the RS trim. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, featured a sporty exterior with two-tone paint options and revised trim for the Premier version. Inside, the Blazer showcased Camaro-like elements, such as an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls, though it was marred by hard plastic surfaces. The RS trim's red interior accents added a touch of sophistication, complementing the sporty exterior.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more conservative yet appealing design, with S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The Platinum trim, tested here, boasted upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium amenities. The Rogue's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on practicality and user-friendly controls. However, the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast, making it difficult to use in low-light conditions. Overall, the Rogue's design was more about functionality and comfort, appealing to families seeking a reliable and stylish compact SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 308 horsepower. The V6, available on higher trims, provided a more engaging driving experience with its dual-clutch AWD system. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer's performance was a mixed bag, with firm handling and decent grip but a lack of refinement in the V6 engine's sound. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift, especially in Sport mode, and the steering felt artificially heavy. Fuel consumption averaged 11.5 L/100 km, slightly above the expected 11.0 L/100 km.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This VC-Turbo engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings but lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km compared to the anticipated 7.7 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride quality was generally composed, with intelligent control systems enhancing cornering and ride comfort. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the tires provided modest grip.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample storage space. The rear seat was spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. However, the cargo area was smaller than expected for a midsize SUV, with 864 litres behind the rear seats and 1,818 litres with them folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin with premium features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature added versatility to the cargo space, though the rear seat comfort was lacking compared to the front.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The RS trim added a Bose audio system and navigation. However, the hands-free liftgate operation was inconsistent, and the cargo space was limited.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, though dated, offered a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display. Voice recognition was limited, but the overall technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available. However, the Blazer's headlights were not highly rated by the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted an extensive array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The ProPilot Assist system was praised for its accuracy and ease of use, though braking could be abrupt.