2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring just under 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy appearance. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch to the vehicle. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the exterior, while the dash featured thin horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim. The centre console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the two-spoke steering wheel stood out from other luxury brands. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which was tested, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features such as diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch surfaces. The Rogue's interior was equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats lacked support and comfort. The Rogue offered ample storage space, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing up to 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue's powertrain felt responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on the highway. The CVT's simulated gear changes could be dramatic, and the engine's unusual note and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's ride quality was generally good, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing cornering and ride comfort, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors as standard in Canada. The Ergo driver's seat, with its inflatable pockets, provided comfort and reduced fatigue. While a third row was available, it offered limited legroom. The GV80 featured a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. The SUV boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four people comfortably, with room for a fifth if needed. The Platinum trim included a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue offered good outward visibility and simple controls, though the key fob design was frustrating. The rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, and included wireless charging, USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for manoeuvring in tight spaces without the driver in the car.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. The test vehicle had the 9-inch screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition technology was limited, and the navigation system struggled with certain requests. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with 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.