2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model. It was available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, with the option to remove the doors for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's windshield could fold down, and it offered various top options for those who enjoyed open-air exploring. Its design featured wide fenders, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted up for easy access to the cargo area. The Wrangler also introduced new paint colours, including the limited-edition "Reign" purple and the "Earl" grey with aquamarine highlights. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a practical and straightforward design with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-coloured dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a more conventional design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding destination charges. The Platinum trim, which was tested, featured upscale upgrades such as soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and a variety of comfort and convenience features. The Rogue's design was appealing, with a focus on practicality and comfort, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It offered good outward visibility, a spacious interior, and a range of features that enhanced its appeal as a family-friendly SUV.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road capabilities, featuring solid axles front and rear and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including a standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in roughly 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a 17.3-kWh battery pack for 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was complemented by its Selec-Trac 4x4 system and Xtreme Recon package, which enhanced its crawl ratio to 58:1. However, the 392 model had some on-road performance issues, with vague steering and inadequate brakes for its power.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue provided Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. It featured Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control for improved ride quality and cornering, though the steering felt lifeless. The Rogue demonstrated a good balance of ride compliance and body control, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available in higher trims or through a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler's top options included a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, which provided quick open-air access. The Wrangler was well-equipped with charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly SUV, offering easy entry and exit, good visibility, and a spacious interior. It comfortably accommodated four people, with room for a fifth if needed. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs provided comfort, though the rear seat was less comfortable with low-mounted cushions. The Rogue offered ample storage space, with a hands-free power liftgate and up to 2,064 litres of cargo volume with the rear seats 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 Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, along with off-road pages providing detailed information for enthusiasts. The Wrangler's tech offerings were practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system, with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology had limitations, struggling with certain requests. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well. The infotainment system was complemented by a wireless smartphone charging pad and NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on higher trims or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS giving it a combination of Good and Marginal scores, and the NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which encompassed a range of driver assistance systems. 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, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.