2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it a seamless transition for those moving from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in place of a grill, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40 was a visually appealing SUV, featuring Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 boasted a spacious and airy cabin, with a harmonious design that reflected Volvo's Scandinavian sensibility. The interior was well-crafted, with premium materials and a layout that nudged Volvo into the luxury category.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, focusing on proper proportions and rugged styling to appeal to a broad audience. The Rogue was available in multiple trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of comfort amenities. The interior was designed for practicality, with a focus on passenger comfort and ease of use. However, some design choices, like the low-contrast key fob, were less user-friendly. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cabin was equipped with modern conveniences, though the rear seats lacked the comfort found in the front.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a powerhouse, with its 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors for a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, making it a thrilling drive for a compact SUV. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing energy efficiency and driving enjoyment. Its low centre of gravity and familiar suspension setup contributed to excellent handling and stability. The XC40 Recharge boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities for added convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. While the Rogue's powertrain offered responsive performance in urban settings, it lacked highway passing power. The CVT transmission, though generally unobtrusive, could feel dramatic during simulated gear changes. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's ride quality was generally good, with intelligent systems enhancing cornering and ride comfort, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and a comfortable cabin. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, providing additional storage space. Inside, the XC40 featured ample cubbies and nooks for everyday essentials, with comfortable front seats and a slightly cramped rear middle seat. The cargo area offered up to 1,628 litres of space with the rear seats folded, and the XC40 had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, with a spacious interior and a focus on passenger comfort. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats, though ventilated seats were not available. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the back seat was roomy but lacked comfort. The cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space with the rear seats in place, expandable to 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's storage solutions were plentiful but unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems and a heat pump to extend range. The infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. This allowed for seamless integration with Google services and over-the-air updates. However, the range display showed a percentage of charge rather than remaining kilometres, which could cause range anxiety.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, while functional, was due for an update. The test vehicle featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The voice recognition system struggled with complex commands, and the infotainment system lacked the intuitive design of newer systems. The Rogue also included a digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. These included collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 also featured a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety and Volvo's Connected Safety system for sharing road condition data.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, offering a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating.