2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between style and functionality. Its design was characterized by well-proportioned, chiseled styling that exuded a rugged sense of purpose, making it an appealing choice for those who valued aesthetics in their vehicles. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features such as diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of soft-touch materials, ensuring a comfortable and quality experience for both driver and passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse introduced a new Z71 trim aimed at those interested in moderate off-roading. While not designed for extreme terrains, the Traverse Z71 was equipped to handle reasonably rugged conditions. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the RS model offering a comprehensive suite of features. Our test vehicle, the Z71, featured a striking Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint and a Jet Black interior with Torch Red accents, providing a bold and sporty look. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with optional synthetic leather seating and a focus on comfort and practicality.

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 CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. 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 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 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine provided more power and torque than its predecessor, making acceleration and passing power more than adequate for a vehicle of its size. The Traverse's AWD system, especially in the Z71 trim, offered enhanced traction in slippery conditions. The ride quality was exemplary, with minimal tire noise despite the all-terrain tires. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless, with fuel economy estimates at 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 11.3 combined.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to a midsize car, with a spacious interior accommodating up to five passengers. 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 quilted pleats that were uncomfortable. The Rogue provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,064 litres available when the rear seats were folded, and included the Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile storage configurations.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for up to eight passengers in the LT and Z71 trims, with the RS model offering second-row captain's chairs for easier third-row access. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row enhanced convenience and cargo capacity, which expanded to 2,764 litres with the seats folded. The Traverse featured numerous storage options, including a hidden storage area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third-row view was limited by the rear fender design.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The system included a navigation function and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited in its capabilities. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a significant upgrade with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard across all models. The system, running on Google-based software, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an 11-inch digital instrument display. The Traverse included a wireless charging pad and retained physical controls for volume and HVAC functions. The Super Cruise hands-free driving aid was available for the first time, providing an advanced automated driving experience on pre-mapped roads.

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 Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our review. However, it offered a wide range of standard driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse also included a surround-view parking camera and traffic-sign recognition, providing a robust safety package.