2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation with a mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof, all contributing to a refined appearance. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a detailed and tasteful look. The centre console was notable for its electronic gear selector, providing more space for storage, while the infotainment display was strategically positioned for driver convenience. The Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row ensured comfort for all passengers, and the overall fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more minimalistic interior with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance model had a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX's exterior design, though not traditionally beautiful, was distinctive with its blunt nose and signature rear roof pillar. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned styling, including a blacked-out grille and matte-black wheels. Despite its visual weight over the front wheels, the RX maintained a compact appearance due to its reduced rear overhang.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was enhanced by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented a significant 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, resulting in a lively driving experience. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the steering was precise with a tight turning diameter.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, delivering 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km, although real-world testing showed 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model boasted a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with a hybrid system, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds but consumed 11.3 L/100 km in testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced its dynamic performance, making it more engaging to drive. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, which could be cumbersome.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a centre console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB ports for device charging. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded flat, making it ideal for carrying large loads.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model had sportier seats with larger bolsters. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat slightly elevated the seat cushion, offering excellent leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was improved over the previous model, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, though it still lagged behind some competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as displaying only one menu at a time and lacking a tuning knob. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance features such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist further enhanced safety, although some features had limitations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system's reliance on visual indicators.