2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. With its well-proportioned design and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a sense of purpose that appealed to many SUV enthusiasts. The vehicle's exterior was complemented by upscale interior features, especially in the Platinum trim, which included soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium touches. The Rogue's design choices were critical in ensuring it remained an attractive option for those seeking a compact SUV with a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator was a full-size SUV that prioritized luxury and functionality. Despite the lack of significant updates since its 2018 redesign, the Navigator continued to impress with its imposing presence and high-end features. The triple-black Navigator Reserve model we tested came with the Monochromatic Package, adding a sleek, modern touch to its exterior. Inside, the Navigator offered a spacious and upscale cabin, though some elements, like the chrome plastic switchgear, fell short of conveying the luxury expected at its price point. Overall, the Navigator's design was about making a statement, both in terms of size and luxury.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder in most trims. This VC-Turbo engine delivered 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Rogue offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The CVT's simulated gear changes could feel dramatic, and the engine's three-cylinder configuration introduced some vibration and noise into the cabin. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The Rogue's suspension and handling were generally composed, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered five drive modes, including Excite, which improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. Despite its size, the Navigator felt smaller on winding roads, thanks to its excellent outward visibility and impressive grip from the 22-inch wheels. However, the steering was slow and lifeless, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight during extended downhill drives.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four adults and the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats with Zero Gravity designs. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for various cargo configurations, enhancing the Rogue's practicality.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in providing space and comfort across its three rows of seating. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. The second-row captain's chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, where even taller adults could sit comfortably. The Navigator's storage solutions were generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model provided even more cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system was due for an update, as it still used an older version with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, along with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology struggled with anything beyond basic commands. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during our test drive.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a more advanced suite of technology features. The Sync 4 infotainment system included a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and an enhanced voice recognition system that performed admirably during testing. The Navigator also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a widescreen head-up display, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was available, though our teenage passengers preferred their smartphones. The Navigator's wireless smartphone charger was less impressive, as it caused the phone to overheat.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, which worked well during our testing. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for 2022, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was fortified with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a five-star side-impact protection rating and a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was not available.