2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. Its design was characterized by proper proportions and chiseled styling, which gave it a rugged yet appealing look. The Rogue's lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, featured upscale upgrades such as diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of other premium features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as bold as some of its competitors, offered a restrained yet attractive design. Its chunky front end and smaller grille provided a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims, with AWD as an option on the lower trims and standard on the higher ones. Our Premier test vehicle featured two-tone leather upholstery and a host of practical features, though its interior design felt somewhat dated compared to rivals. Despite this, the Equinox remained a practical and approachable choice for many consumers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's suspension and ride quality were generally good, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing cornering and ride smoothness. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires provided modest grip.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, making highway merging and passing less satisfying. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer, contributing to a noisy powertrain. Despite this, the Equinox's suspension was well-sorted, handling bumps and potholes effectively. The steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious and practical interior, with ample room for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate and Divide-N-Hide feature added to its practicality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. While its cargo area measured 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with them folded, it fell short compared to some competitors. The Equinox's interior featured higher-quality plastic components, and the Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate. Storage options were plentiful, with cup holders for every passenger and a decently sized centre console bin.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, with the latter offering Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The system also included a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited in its capabilities. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering was simple yet effective. The 8-inch touchscreen was crisp and easy to use, with good voice recognition software. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim featured a wireless charging pad, while the driver-information display offered useful features. A Bose seven-speaker audio system was available as an extra-cost option.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which combined 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 crash tests.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in its safety performance.