2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a familial resemblance with the Nissan Armada, boasting a platform, mechanicals, and layout that were similar. Despite its large size, the QX80 was considered well-proportioned, with a distinctive front-end styling that featured the Infiniti grille. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added to its upscale appearance, complemented by stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was seen as outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics and rugged SUV detailing. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding destination charges. The Platinum trim, which was tested, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch surfaces. The Rogue's design was practical and attractive, making it a popular choice among consumers who valued style and functionality in a compact SUV.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and seamless shifts. The QX80's performance was impressive, with quick kickdowns for passing and smooth power delivery. It featured a standard 4WD system in Canada, with a computer-controlled transfer case offering Automatic, 4Hi, and 4Lo settings. The QX80's off-road capability was notable, with over 23 centimetres of ground clearance. It also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms. Despite its size, the QX80 managed body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT, offering Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The Rogue's performance was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The engine's character was unique, with some vibration and noise noted. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited some body motion on uneven roads.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle on the A-pillar. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and moonroof added convenience, though the latter was smaller than some competitors' panoramic designs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family car replacement, offering easy entry and exit with good visibility. It comfortably seated four, with room for a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support. Storage space was ample, with a hands-free power liftgate and up to 2,064 litres of cargo space with seats folded. The Rogue's interior was practical, though the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included a Bose 17-speaker sound system and a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was a nice touch, though HDMI adapters were missing. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture, which was a notable omission for a premium SUV.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system was limited, struggling with certain requests. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. It also had driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners. The QX80 received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model earning four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included various driver assistance features. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for 2022, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.