2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation as a top seller in the compact SUV segment. Its design, which had matured significantly since its earlier iterations, featured a more sophisticated and grown-up look. The exterior boasted a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design, all contributing to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for additional storage. The cabin was equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, providing comfort and support, while the second row offered ample legroom for passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, although a few years into its production, maintained its distinctive and clean design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile and minimal extraneous detailing. The 2023 model saw updates such as pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it unique in offering a combustion engine option. Inside, the XC40 featured a minimalist design with thin air vents and scalloped door elements. The interior was available with leather or vegan leather upholstery, and the Ultimate trim offered luxurious options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob. Despite its entry-level status, the XC40's fit and finish were commendable, though the materials reflected its position in the lineup.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was significantly enhanced by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, which produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, adapting to the driver's demands seamlessly. 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 and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and a tight turning diameter of 10.8 metres.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models, equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, delivered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC40 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a refined driving experience with smooth power delivery. The XC40 Recharge variant, with its dual electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and offering a range of 359 kilometres. The XC40's chassis tuning provided a composed ride, absorbing bumps effectively, while the electric version offered enhanced towing capacity.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options, making it a practical choice for families and commuters. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a centre console bin. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed additional storage options and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 2,098 litres with the seats folded flat, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable interior space for its class. It provided generous rear-seat headroom and shoulder room, allowing for comfortable seating in the second row. The XC40's cargo capacity was 566 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with them folded, slightly less than some competitors. However, the XC40 featured innovative interior storage solutions, such as scalloped door panels and a spacious centre console bin, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included 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, offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control and navigation integration, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system, utilizing Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment system provided a seamless experience, though users accustomed to Apple devices might find the Google integration less satisfying. The XC40's minimalist design extended to its controls, with most functions managed through the touchscreen.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came 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, 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 Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard features such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgraded trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. The XC40 received top ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.