2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Ford Escape

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. It featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. This design approach was crucial, as aesthetics play a significant role in consumer decisions. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, enhancing the overall quality feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant facelift in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model. The front end received a more aggressive look, replacing the previous model's wide-eyed, toothless smile. Despite these changes, the rest of the SUV retained a soft and generically appealing appearance. The Escape was available in multiple trims, with the ST-Line Elite trim offering a sporty look. However, the interior, while initially appearing upscale, was marred by excessively glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery, which detracted from its premium aspirations.

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 was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Rogue's performance was responsive in urban settings, but it lacked passing power on highways. The CVT's simulated gear changes could feel dramatic, and the engine's character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to everyone. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle had the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Escape's turbocharged engine delivered quick acceleration, but the driving dynamics didn't match the sporty appearance. The ride was soft and compliant, with too much body motion, and the steering felt sluggish. The Escape averaged 9.8 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official rating. The turbo engine seemed wasted in this application, and the hybrid powertrain might be a more cost-effective choice.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious and practical interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four people, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, ventilated front seats were not available. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though the rear seat lacked leg support. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres behind the back seat and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's controls were straightforward, but the key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line offered a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. Leather seats were optional, but they felt uncomfortable. The test model included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The front seats were large and supportive, and the rear seat was comfortable when slid back. Interior storage was ample in the front, but less so for rear passengers. Cargo volume measured 1,061 litres behind the back seat and 1,852 litres with the seats folded. The Escape's interior was practical, but the leather option was not recommended.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system struggled with anything beyond basic commands. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well. However, the infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer offerings.

The 2024 Ford Escape boasted a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system in the ST-Line Elite trim, with a landscape format that was less distracting. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, though the speakers were damaged during testing. The display's colour theme appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen, which was not ideal. The voice recognition system was excellent, but the wireless charger heated the phone excessively. The Escape also had a head-up display, but it was not as effective as traditional windshield projections.

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 on highways. 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 some specific tests.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping systems were inconsistent, and the predictive speed assist was overly cautious. On highways, the Co-Pilot360 technology performed better. The Escape received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model.