2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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 sense of purpose without being overly aggressive. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The lineup included various trims, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, with the latter offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of interior and exterior enhancements. Despite its premium feel, the Rogue's pricing edged close to that of the Infiniti QX50, making it a compelling choice for those seeking luxury without the luxury brand price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 made subtle yet impactful styling changes, such as gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more aerodynamic rear bumper design. While it was unmistakably an EV, the ID.4 didn't conform to traditional SUV aesthetics, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of the segment. This design choice might have been a drawback for some SUV enthusiasts, but it was a common trait among many electric vehicles. The ID.4's interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW's gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fibre inserts as standard. The vehicle's spaciousness and practicality were notable, making it a strong contender in the affordable EV market.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, 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. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included paddle shifters, and the Rogue offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the new powertrain improved urban and suburban responsiveness, it lacked highway passing power and exhibited some vibration and noise, which might have been perceived as a lack of refinement. 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 and modest grip from its all-season tires.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. Regenerative braking was present but didn't support one-pedal driving, which might have disappointed some EV enthusiasts. Overall, the ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined driving experience, suitable for long-distance travel.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, offering easy entry and exit, good visibility, and a spacious cargo area. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity seats, though ventilated front seats were absent. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, facilitating child seat installation, and the back seat offered ample room for adults, albeit with less comfort than the front seats. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with them folded, thanks to the Divide-N-Hide feature. However, the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast, making it difficult to use in low light.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. With 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, the ID.4 was practical for an entry-level EV. It also offered some towing capability, with RWD models rated for 1,000 kg and AWD models for 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional centre console lid and improved phone storage. The ID.4's three-zone climate control and heated rear seats added to its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with stereo knobs and menu buttons. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. A wireless charging pad and Bose audio system were also included. However, the voice recognition system struggled with anything beyond basic commands. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display, both of which performed well despite challenging weather conditions during testing.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 standardized the 12.0-inch touchscreen across all models, with software updates improving responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard, as did the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a choice of interface styles, but the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were criticized for their lack of physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easy to overlook during normal driving.

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, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The system performed well, though activation lag and abrupt braking were noted. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for 2022, with some lower scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for 2023 were unavailable, the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ with high scores in most categories. The ID.4's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.