2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. With its well-proportioned design and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a sense of purpose that appealed to many SUV enthusiasts. The vehicle's exterior was complemented by upscale interior features, especially in the Platinum trim, which included soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and high-quality materials throughout the cabin. This attention to detail was crucial in attracting buyers who valued aesthetics and functionality in their vehicles.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, with its design and features reflecting its premium status. The GV80 offered a choice between two powerful engines and came with a range of luxurious interior options, including diamond-stitched Nappa leather and a suede headliner. The Prestige trim, in particular, showcased a variety of stylish 22-inch wheel designs and ambient lighting, further enhancing its luxurious appeal. Despite its opulence, the GV80's Prestige Signature trim did not offer anything exceptionally unique for the American market, suggesting that the regular Prestige trim was a more sensible choice.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, which delivered 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 generally responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The CVT's simulated gear changes could feel dramatic, and the engine's unique note and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's suspension and handling were commendable, providing a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80's performance was impressive, with swift acceleration and a sporty feel, though the V6 was notably thirsty, averaging 13.7 L/100 km. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded brakes contributed to its athleticism, while the steering, though unremarkable, did not detract from the driving experience. The GV80 excelled in providing a luxurious yet communicative ride, making it a rewarding choice for drivers seeking performance and comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The interior featured premium materials, including semi-aniline leather upholstery and Nissan's Zero Gravity seat designs, which provided comfort for the driver and front passenger. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres available behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down. The vehicle also offered a hands-free power liftgate and Nissan's Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile cargo management.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the 3.5T Prestige trim, offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and triple-zone climate control. However, the seats were not as comfortable as expected, with diamond-stitched surfaces feeling like bubble wrap. The GV80's cargo space was commendable, with 988 litres available behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded down. Despite its luxury features, the GV80's second-row legroom was limited, and the rear seats did not recline far enough for optimal comfort on long trips.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system also included a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, struggling with anything beyond basic commands. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required the use of a control dial on the centre console. The system included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80's voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was visually appealing and intuitive. The vehicle also featured a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display standard in Canada.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was 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+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some specific tests. ProPilot Assist worked well, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, though braking could be abrupt in certain situations.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced safety features such as a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's safety technology was sophisticated, with the Blind-Spot View Monitor providing a video feed of blind spots during lane changes. The GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.