2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available in Canada, offered five trim levels: base model, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $72,395, with the Summit Reserve reaching $91,490 before options. The Trailhawk trim, tested here, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group III, and Advanced ProTech Group II, bringing the MSRP to approximately $85,000, including destination charges. Despite its high cost, the Grand Cherokee 4xe did not qualify for Canada's EV sales incentives. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing, matte-black hood decal, unique wheels, and Trail Rated badge. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces attracting dust and fingerprints. While the leather and artificial suede upholstery were commendable, the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance, with controls often hard to read or access.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. 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, tested here, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats. The Rogue's interior was noted for its comfort, with soft-touch materials and quality controls. However, the engine's character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to all drivers. Despite this, the Rogue offered a good balance of ride compliance and body control, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It could tow up to 2,720 kilograms and featured a standard 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case. The Trailhawk's off-roading capabilities were enhanced by Selec-Terrain technology, a front-axle sway bar disconnect system, and a height-adjustable air suspension. However, its real-world performance fell short, with an all-electric range of 42 kilometres and a combined fuel economy of 11.7 L/100 km. The regenerative braking system and uneven power delivery detracted from the driving experience, though the Trailhawk excelled in off-road conditions.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The CVT transmission, paired with AWD, offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes. While the Rogue's powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked highway passing power. The fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless. Despite some body motion on uneven roads, the Rogue maintained a secure handling character.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space, offering 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with them folded. The interior, with artificial suede and leather seats, lacked comfort, with firm front seats and low-mounted second-row cushions. Rear legroom was tight, and the protruding plastic hooks on the front seatbacks were uncomfortable. The Grand Cherokee's interior prioritized style over utility, with glossy surfaces making controls hard to read.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue provided a more practical interior, accommodating four people comfortably and a fifth when necessary. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs offered comfort, though the rear seat lacked leg support. The Rogue excelled in storage space, with 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, and the rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle for easy access.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, the low-contrast graphics made the display hard to read. The Trailhawk also offered an Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system available on higher trims. The wireless smartphone charger was optional, even on the top-tier models.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, meanwhile, used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle featured the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of thoughtfulness. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other safety features. The Advanced ProTech Group II added intersection collision assist, a surround-view camera, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe variant.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests.