2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its reputation as a top seller in the compact crossover segment. Its design, which had matured significantly since its earlier iterations, featured a sophisticated exterior with a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The interior was equally impressive, with a layered dash design and a centre console that maximized space efficiency. The Rogue's cabin was both stylish and functional, offering ample storage options and comfortable seating, particularly with the Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model, showcasing Nissan's attention to detail and quality materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to classic truck design with its boxy, rugged appearance. Its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and chopped tail were reminiscent of the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle's design was consistent throughout, with tasteful accents like dome step plates and skylights along the roof. The Defender was available in three body styles, offering versatility in seating configurations, from the two-door 90 to the extended-length 130. Despite its utilitarian interior, which prioritized function and durability over luxury, the Defender maintained a unique character with exposed screws and plain air vents, emphasizing its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was significantly enhanced by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, which delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented a notable improvement over the previous model, with an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, adapting to the driver's demands seamlessly. The Rogue's new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. Fuel efficiency was also a highlight, with the Rogue achieving impressive consumption figures of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride, with minimal body roll and precise steering.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its permanent 4WD and Terrain Response 2 system adapting to various surfaces. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines offered robust power, with the V8 producing 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was flawless, though the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and wind noise. The mild-hybrid inline-six provided a balance of power and efficiency, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was best suited for local driving. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient at 16.4 L/100 km city and 12.7 highway.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies, while rear passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,033 litres available, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded. The vehicle's interior was well-equipped with USB ports and a wireless charging pad, catering to modern connectivity needs.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out for its seating flexibility, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 offered a unique jump seat option, allowing three across in the front. The vehicle's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility, while the cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender was equipped with features like a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps, enhancing its practicality for both everyday use and off-road adventures.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's driver-assist technology, was integrated with the navigation system, offering advanced features like predictive speed control and hands-on steering assist.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch touchscreen provided quick and simple operation, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Defender's technology suite included heated front seats, keyless entry, and a Meridian sound system. Higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display, enhancing the vehicle's functionality and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, including adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, while not rated by U.S. agencies, received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for its solid structure. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender offered advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and automatic trailer steering, though it lacked a self-steering highway assist.