2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender significantly outsold the Land Rover Discovery, with a preference for its boxy, classic truck design reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all contributing to its rugged appeal. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, added to its charm. The Defender offered a variety of accessory packages and was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, providing unmatched choice in the SUV market. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior focused on function and durability, with a mix of rubbers and plastics, exposed screws, and a basic design that maintained its hardcore character.

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 Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748. Our test vehicle, a US-specification Platinum trim, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. The Rogue's design was appealing, with a focus on practicality and comfort, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish compact SUV.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, showcasing its uncanny grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle almost any path, though most owners would not fully utilize its Terrain Response 2 system. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. However, its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the four-cylinder engine was less desirable for highway speeds. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. The VC-Turbo powertrain was preferred over the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder, providing responsive performance in urban settings. However, it lacked passing power on the highway and had an unusual engine note. 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 steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row. Large glass areas and panoramic moonroofs provided excellent visibility, and cargo space varied across models, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various off-road accessories, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and winch, making it a highly adaptable SUV.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, comfortably seating four adults with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities such as a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity seats. However, rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and quilted pleats. The Rogue offered ample storage space, though some areas were unlined, causing potential noise. A hands-free power liftgate revealed up to 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,064 litres with seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch or optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Standard features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display, among other upgrades.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a Bose audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad. Voice recognition was limited, struggling with specific requests. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both performing well during testing.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted extensive safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control and 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 specific crash tests.