2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also reflected its actual increase in size. The fourth-generation Pilot was 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts such as a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive and functional, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, contributing to a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic that emphasized function without sacrificing attraction.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch. The new, larger grille blended well with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, while the rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue's exterior updates included satin-finish badging, new wheel designs, and more black trim on the top Platinum grade. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving the Rogue a more premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, enhancing the upscale design. The Platinum models featured leather seats with quilted stitching, adding to the overall nicely appointed cabin.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), making it a versatile choice for family adventures.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, capable of varying its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. With 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, it outperformed several competitors' engines. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, affecting the driving experience. The Rogue's suspension felt firmer than the segment norm, impacting ride quality without improving handling. Despite the engine's impressive performance, the exhaust note was less appealing. The Rogue came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada, but it wasn't marketed as a driver's car.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot's interior boasted clever storage solutions, including a large rubberized shelf, cupholders, and a wide centre console bin. The standout feature was the stowable second-row centre seat, providing a useful pass-through for third-row passengers. The Pilot offered ample space in the second row, with a less inviting third row suitable for short trips. Cargo capacity reached up to 3,219 litres, with a power tailgate standard on higher trims.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered nearly identical passenger space to its competitors, with differences in legroom. The Rogue's cargo space reached a maximum of 1,033 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,098 litres with them folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Rogue featured a power liftgate on SV models and a motion-activated liftgate on SL and Platinum models. The centre console provided a pass-through space for added flexibility, though accessing the storage tray at floor level was awkward.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower-level S and SV models came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum models upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play store directly with the infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the system's graphics and navigation. Nissan Connect Services extended its free trial period to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received good safety scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with automated lane centring. The SL and Platinum trims featured a more advanced version that used navigation data for proactive driving assistance.