2024 Hyundai Tucson vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. It featured well-proportioned and chiseled styling, with just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's design was crucial in attracting buyers, as aesthetics play a significant role in consumer decisions. The Platinum trim, which was tested, offered upscale upgrades, including soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson boasted a bold and contemporary design, with taut angles and unique elements like headlights that seamlessly blended into the grille. This design choice gave the Tucson an athletic presence, setting it apart from other vehicles in its class. The interior of the Tucson continued this modern theme, with a refined cabin that housed a wealth of technology. Despite some minor inconveniences, such as the absence of a volume dial, the Tucson's interior was well-executed, offering a comfortable and tech-savvy environment for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided a responsive driving experience in urban settings. However, it lacked passing power on the highway, and the engine's unique note and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue offered various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its shortcomings in fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km, the Rogue's ride quality and cornering enhancements contributed to a secure and consistent handling character.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While this powertrain was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide the necessary acceleration for highway speeds and passing maneuvers. The Tucson's strength lay in its handling and ride quality, offering a comfortable and well-rounded driving experience. Although not as athletic as some competitors, the Tucson's precise steering and ability to absorb road imperfections made it a solid choice for daily commutes and long trips.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical replacement for a traditional family car, offering ample space for four passengers and the option to accommodate a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. While the front seats provided exceptional comfort with Nissan's Zero Gravity design, the rear seats fell short in terms of comfort and support. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded, thanks to the Divide-N-Hide feature.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson excelled in interior space, providing up to 2,119 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with them in use. The Tucson's hands-free power liftgate, available on higher trims, added convenience for loading and unloading. With room for five passengers, the Tucson offered generous headroom and legroom, making it suitable for longer journeys. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including deep cup holders and a centre tray with a wireless charging pad, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, while functional, was due for an update. It featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, limiting its usefulness. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's infotainment system offered a decent array of features for its class.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel. While the lack of wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was a minor inconvenience, the system's intuitive layout and functionality were commendable. The Tucson's remote start system was a standout feature, allowing drivers to seamlessly transition from remote start to driving without additional steps. The ability to operate the touchscreen and haptic buttons while wearing gloves was a practical advantage in colder climates.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and a range of driver assistance systems. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. 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 Hyundai Tucson also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a 360-degree parking camera system and Smart Park remote-parking. The Tucson received high safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation, and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.