2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic design for its popular models. It featured well-balanced proportions and a rugged yet sophisticated styling that appealed to a broad audience. The Rogue's design was carefully crafted to ensure it remained attractive to potential buyers, as aesthetics play a crucial role in consumer decisions. The vehicle's exterior was complemented by a range of trim levels, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, each offering a unique set of features and price points.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image for a more modern and dynamic appearance. The redesign embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 28 centimetres longer, 10 cm lower, and 5 cm wider than its predecessor. The Trax borrowed styling cues from the midsize Chevy Blazer, including a bold grille and distinctive body lines, giving it a commanding presence despite its compact size. The Trax's design was a departure from the boxy shapes of competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks, offering a fresh and appealing alternative in the subcompact crossover segment.

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. The engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that included paddle shifters, and the Rogue offered both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The vehicle's driving modes included Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its impressive urban performance, the Rogue's engine exhibited some vibration and noise, and its highway passing power was limited. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, on the other hand, was equipped with a smaller 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Although less powerful than its predecessor, the new engine offered a quicker acceleration to 100 km/h by about a second. The Trax retained its six-speed automatic transmission and was available only in front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the AWD-capable Trailblazer. The Trax's handling was more car-like, with a wider track providing a stable and nimble driving experience. While it wasn't a performance vehicle, the Trax's predictable handling and minimal turbo lag made it a competent and enjoyable drive.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly compact SUV, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. It comfortably accommodated four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured luxurious touches like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided excellent comfort for front passengers, though rear seat comfort was less impressive. The vehicle offered up to 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded, thanks to the Divide-N-Hide feature.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, despite its larger exterior dimensions, offered mixed results in terms of interior space. It provided 7.6 cm more rear-seat legroom, but headroom decreased slightly in the second row. The Trax's seating was comfortable for its class, and its low driving position offered excellent visibility. Cargo space increased by 12%, with 725 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,532 litres with them folded. While not class-leading, the Trax's cargo capacity was competitive within its segment.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included the larger screen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. A wireless charging pad and Bose premium audio system were also available. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the vehicle lacked a fully digital instrument cluster.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax boasted significant tech upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch screen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout and crisp graphics. The optional digital instrument cluster added a modern touch, and the vehicle offered multiple USB ports for connectivity.

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 Trax offered a solid array of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored young drivers' behaviour and provided feedback to parents. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.