2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was a standard feature with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US market, featuring options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its price nearing $60,000, the Wrangler Sport S interior remained basic, emphasizing durability and practicality over luxury.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, with its appealing design and rugged SUV detailing, was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, featured all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a frameless rearview mirror. The Rogue's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with soft-touch materials and quality controls. However, the Rogue's engine character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to everyone. Despite this, the Rogue offered a good balance of ride compliance and body control, making it a reliable choice for families seeking a compact SUV with a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was designed for challenging weather conditions. However, its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were part of its charm for enthusiasts. It offered an immersive experience, especially with the top open and doors removed, making it ideal for off-road adventures and escaping the daily grind.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. The engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue lacked passing power on the highway, and its engine character might not suit all drivers. However, it offered a good balance of ride compliance and body control, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber materials, with some soft, padded spots for comfort. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised sightlines in others. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments for personal items.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, offered easy entry and exit, good visibility, and a spacious interior. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, facilitating loading and unloading. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue provided ample storage space, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing up to 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo area configurations.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the optional Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, the basic setup met essential needs. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also included a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology had limitations, struggling with certain requests. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were subpar, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS in certain tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, requiring extra care when driving.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. 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 Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated tests.