2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between style and functionality. With its well-proportioned design and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a rugged sense of purpose without venturing into overly adventurous design territory. This approach was crucial, as the Rogue's appeal lay in its ability to attract buyers who valued aesthetics in their vehicle choices. The lineup offered a range of trims from the base S FWD to the upscale Platinum, with the latter featuring luxurious touches like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of upscale amenities, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium compact SUV experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban was a behemoth on the road, a familiar sight with its long-standing presence in the automotive world. Its massive dimensions, stretching nearly the length of an NBA baseline three-point shot, made it a vehicle not for the faint-hearted, especially in urban settings. However, for those who needed ample cargo and passenger space, the Suburban was a top contender. The Suburban's interior offered a comfortable cabin with leather upholstery in all but the base trim, and the High Country trim, which we tested, featured luxurious brown leather interiors. Despite its size, the Suburban managed to blend into traffic, a testament to its status as an automotive institution.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder in all but the base trim. 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 various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the new powertrain provided responsive performance in urban settings, 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 handling were generally composed, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, provided better fuel economy and was a cost-effective option on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its responsive steering and brakes. However, drivers needed to account for its weight, especially when braking.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four passengers and the option to accommodate a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though the rear seats were less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions. The SUV offered up to 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded. However, the design of the key fob and some interior storage areas lacked thoughtfulness.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This made it an ideal choice for those needing substantial carrying capacity. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank allowed for long-distance travel, especially with the diesel engine's efficiency. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on most trims, and the High Country trim offered luxurious brown leather options. The Suburban's size and cargo capacity made it a top choice for families and those needing to tow large loads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the infotainment system felt dated compared to newer offerings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen on most trims, featuring Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system provided decent sound quality, though it lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The SUV 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 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system.