2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some competitors. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it stood out from the previous generation and the smaller NX model.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350, available in various trims, started at $58,650 in Canada. It offered a range of powertrains, including hybrid and performance hybrid options, with the RX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, with its chiseled styling and rugged detailing, was designed to appeal to a broad audience. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices starting at $30,898 for the base model. The Platinum trim, tested here, included AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats. The Rogue's interior was comfortable, with soft-touch materials and quality controls. However, the Rogue's Platinum trim approached the price of the Infiniti QX50, offering a long list of upgrades to justify its cost.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, with real-world results slightly higher. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and comfortable ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, feeling quicker than expected.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine's variable compression design aimed to balance performance and fuel economy. The Rogue's CVT included paddle shifters, and the vehicle offered multiple driving modes. The Rogue's fuel economy was estimated at 7.7 L/100 km, but real-world results were slightly higher. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads. The steering felt lifeless, but the Rogue maintained a consistent handling character.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3's sport seat bolsters providing extra support. The Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The RX's back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 838 litres available with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, with ample space for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim included premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though the rear seat lacked leg support. The Rogue offered up to 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded. Storage was plentiful, though some areas were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming music through embedded apps. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required tone adjustments for optimal sound. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display, though the latter was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology struggled with certain requests, and the system lacked the sophistication of newer systems. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New additions included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not as refined as expected.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a robust set of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with 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 some specific tests.