2022 Porsche Macan vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Porsche Macan continued to embody the brand's commitment to performance and luxury, maintaining its sleek and athletic design that had evolved subtly since its debut in 2015. Despite regular updates, the Macan retained its original charm, with the 2022 model featuring a refreshed exterior, larger standard wheels, and a revamped interior with haptic touch controls. The Macan S, our test vehicle, showcased a sophisticated Volcano Gray exterior with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuding a sporty yet upscale aura. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, offering a driver-focused cockpit with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver accents, creating a luxurious and purposeful environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more rugged and practical design, appealing to those seeking a family-friendly SUV. The Rogue's styling was handsome and proportionate, with just enough SUV detailing to convey a sense of adventure. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim, featured two-tone paint and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and ambient lighting. The Rogue's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. While the Rogue's design was not as sporty as the Macan's, it offered a well-rounded package for families seeking a reliable and stylish compact SUV.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the Macan S featuring a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This engine, previously used in the Macan GTS, allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and fully variable AWD system provided a dynamic driving experience, with a focus on rear-wheel power distribution. The Macan S also benefited from Porsche's re-tuned steering and suspension, offering improved ride and handling characteristics. With optional performance upgrades, the Macan S delivered exceptional grip and stability, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This VC-Turbo engine, paired with a CVT, offered a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Rogue's AWD system, standard on most trims in Canada, provided additional driving modes for various conditions. While the Rogue's powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked the passing power of the Macan on highways. The Rogue's ride quality was generally composed, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling. However, the steering felt less engaging compared to the Macan, and the all-season tires offered modest grip.

The 2022 Porsche Macan prioritized driver and front passenger comfort, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers. The Macan's redesigned centre console provided more storage, but overall space was still limited. Cargo capacity was 488 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The Macan's interior featured a new steering wheel design and haptic touch controls, though some found the controls less intuitive.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue excelled in practicality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, and the rear seats provided generous legroom, though comfort was lacking. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured a user-friendly layout, with controls that were easy to reach and operate. However, the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast, making it difficult to use in low light.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The system was intuitive, though voice recognition was less reliable compared to competitors. The Macan offered a choice of audio systems, including a high-end Burmester option. While the infotainment system was comprehensive, Android Auto was notably absent.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle included the larger screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system struggled with complex commands, but the digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective. The Rogue's infotainment system was functional, though it lacked the modernity of newer systems.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. While these systems performed well, the Macan lacked more advanced driver assistance technologies. Parking assistance features were available, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and 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 lower scores in some crash tests.