2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty exterior elements. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models added a sporty touch with specific badging and trim, but the seats were less comfortable, lacking adequate cushioning and lumbar support.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, offered a rugged and appealing design with proper proportions and chiseled styling. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Rogue's pricing ranged from $30,898 to $43,748. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats. The Rogue's interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, though the rear seats lacked comfort. The Rogue's design was practical, with nearly 90-degree rear door openings and ample storage space. However, the key fob design was criticized for its lack of thoughtfulness, making it difficult to use in low light.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty driving dynamics. The engine note was more akin to a four-cylinder, and acceleration was unimpressive. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving dynamics. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, with a compliant ride and isolated road noise. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.0 highway, and 10.8 combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The VC-Turbo engine offered responsive performance in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The CVT's simulated gear changes were sometimes too dramatic, and the engine's character was unusual, with vibrations and noise encroaching on the cabin. Fuel economy was rated at 7.7 L/100 km combined, but our test vehicle averaged 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by brake-induced cornering and ride control features, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. The steering felt lifeless, but the Rogue maintained a good balance of ride compliance and body control.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models had limited space for anything beyond groceries. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 210 litres with all seats up, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, though the rear seats didn't fold completely flat.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family car replacement, with ample space for four adults and a fifth in a pinch. The Platinum trim included premium features like a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. The Rogue's rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy loading and unloading. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the back seat and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's storage areas were plentiful but unlined, potentially causing noise. The hands-free power liftgate and Divide-N-Hide feature added convenience, though the rear seat comfort was lacking.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. The infotainment system's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive, leading to frustration. Despite these issues, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional personalization options.

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

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but missed the top-tier designation due to headlight ratings. It scored four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite 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, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.