2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was a study in modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint colour and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, however, arrived in a subdued Eiger Grey with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, paired with aluminum and shiny black trim, added to the vehicle's sophisticated appeal.

In Canada, the Range Rover Sport was available in Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One specifications. Our U.S.-spec Dynamic SE test vehicle featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and other luxury upgrades, pushing the MSRP beyond $120,000. The Range Rover Sport's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights. The interior boasted a high-tech appearance with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, offering a luxurious and fragrant cabin experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was designed with a focus on appealing proportions and rugged SUV detailing, making it an attractive choice for those who valued aesthetics. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a US-spec Platinum trim, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a frameless rearview mirror. The Rogue's Platinum trim offered a long list of upgrades, making it a compelling option for those seeking a balance of style and functionality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to deliver both refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it excelled more in the former. The SUV was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine in the SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic trims, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography trim, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The sold-out SV Edition One featured a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. A fully electric version was expected in 2024. Our test vehicle's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. The Range Rover Sport's adaptive damping air suspension and new vehicle architecture contributed to a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, enhancing ride comfort and handling. However, the SUV's performance in dynamic driving situations fell short of sport-tuned competitors from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, 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. AWD versions included Off-Road and Snow modes. The VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban and suburban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on the evaluation loop. The SUV's suspension design and Intelligent Trace Control contributed to a balanced ride and handling, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage within the cabin was decent, though some compartments were less practical.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four adults comfortably. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy access. The rear seat, however, lacked comfort, with a low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the back seats folded. Storage was plentiful, though some compartments were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a Meridian audio system. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use, with limited functionality from the native digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport's technology struggled to meet the expectations of its luxury clientele.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. Our test vehicle featured the larger screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology was limited, often providing incorrect responses. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also featured a surround-view camera system and Remote Park Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist technologies were less refined, with slow responses and poor performance in certain situations.

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. ProPilot Assist performed well, providing accurate lane-centring and adaptive cruise control functions.