2023 Nissan Ariya vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Ariya presented a modern and striking design, characterized by its smooth, oval shape and minimal use of creases and angles. Its front featured thin LED headlights and a black space mimicking Nissan’s “V-Motion” design, while the rear boasted a thin taillight spanning the width with “NISSAN” lettering. Inside, the Ariya showcased beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastic, dual 12-inch monitors, and illuminated haptic buttons. The interior felt open and airy due to the absence of a transmission tunnel, although the armrests were at different heights, which was a minor discomfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more traditional design with proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. 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 like diamond-pattern leather seats. The Rogue’s design was appealing, and its interior offered comfort with soft-touch materials and quality controls, although the engine’s character and key fob design left room for improvement.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. The Evolve e-4ORCE added a second motor for a total of 335 hp, while the Venture+ FWD featured a more powerful 178-kW motor with 238 hp. The Platinum+ e-4ORCE, with dual motors, delivered 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Ariya’s performance was commendable, with quick steering and well-managed body roll. It offered a quiet ride, and its AWD system provided excellent grip and braking control. The Ariya’s range was approximately 350 km for the FWD and 300 km for the AWD model.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The CVT transmission included paddle shifters, and the Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes. While the VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue’s fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The SUV’s ride quality was generally good, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing cornering and comfort, although the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its EV architecture, providing a spacious interior with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. However, headroom in the back was slightly compromised by the moonroof. The Ariya offered 1,670 litres of cargo space, comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-e. Interior features included a powered bin under the centre stack and adjustable centre console, enhancing practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four people comfortably, with the option to fit a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue’s rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area offered up to 2,064 litres of space with the seats folded. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was inconvenient.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya was tech-forward, featuring dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and Alexa compatibility, allowing seamless integration with smart home devices. The Ariya’s infotainment system was modern and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, 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 audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, and the system struggled with certain commands. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, which performed well despite the weather conditions during testing.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya came equipped with ProPilot Assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. However, it had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, although it received lower scores in specific crash tests.