2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Its design was characterized by well-proportioned, chiseled styling that conveyed a sense of purpose without venturing into the realm of the avant-garde. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The Platinum trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with its diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, ensuring that the vehicle met the quality standards expected in the compact SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with its peers. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive front-end appearance. The interior diverged from the horizontal dashboard trend, opting for a vertical layout that emphasized performance with its gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial. While the RDX's cabin might have seemed less modern compared to rivals with oversized touchscreens, it offered a familiar environment for those averse to the latest tech-heavy designs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The vehicle's suspension and ride quality were generally composed, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. Despite some steering feedback issues, the Rogue maintained a secure handling character.

The 2023 Acura RDX, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX's acceleration to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds was average for its class, but its throttle response and engine sound were commendable. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and a smooth ride, even over road imperfections. The advanced AWD system provided ample traction, and the adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim enhanced its sporty yet comfortable driving dynamics.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to a midsize car, with its higher ground clearance and spacious interior. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats, while roomy, lacked comfort due to low-mounted cushions and quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with them folded. However, the design of the key fob and some interior storage areas left room for improvement.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space for front passengers, with additional power adjustments in the top trim. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with them folded. The interior featured numerous storage options, though the centre stack's design could have been more space-efficient. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open feel, contributing to a pleasant driving environment.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, while functional, was due for an update. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the overall interface felt dated compared to newer offerings. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system was hampered by its touchpad controller, which proved challenging to use, especially while driving. Despite this, the system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the user experience, though the overall interface remained one of the less intuitive in its class.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with 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, though it received lower scores in some specific crash tests. ProPilot Assist impressed with its accuracy and ease of use, though its braking action could be abrupt at times.

The 2023 Acura RDX also boasted a robust array of safety features, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The RDX's safety systems performed well, with only minor issues noted during aggressive driving. The adaptive cruise control was particularly smooth, though the lane-keep assist could be intrusive on curvy roads.