2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. Its design was characterized by proper proportions and chiseled styling, which gave it a rugged yet appealing look. The Rogue's exterior was crafted to convey a sense of purpose, making it an attractive choice for those who valued aesthetics in their vehicles. The lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of other luxurious touches, ensuring that the Rogue met the quality standards expected in the compact SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant transformation, embracing a more geometric and aggressive design compared to its predecessor. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a bold front fascia. The vehicle's side profile was almost monolithic, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The GX's design was not only about aesthetics but also functionality, with features like standard running boards and optional powered units for added convenience. The interior was a blend of luxury and utility, with a focus on off-road capabilities, making it a premium SUV ready for both urban and rugged adventures.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, which delivered 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that included paddle shifters. The Rogue offered various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. While the VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on highways and had a unique engine note that some drivers found unrefined. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The vehicle's suspension and handling were generally composed, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque low in the rev range, making it ideal for off-road driving. The GX was built on the GA-F truck platform, offering a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It employed a 10-speed automatic transmission that operated smoothly, with standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road capabilities. The GX demonstrated excellent on-road composure and off-road prowess, though its full potential was not fully tested due to weather conditions during the evaluation.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four passengers and the option to accommodate a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats with Zero Gravity designs for added comfort. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. 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. The vehicle's controls were straightforward, though the key fob design was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness.

The 2024 Lexus GX offered a more minimalist and sophisticated interior compared to its predecessor. It provided comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was best suited for children due to its limited legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. The Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity. The GX's interior was designed for both luxury and utility, with a focus on off-road features and practicality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also included a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited in its capabilities. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the Drive Connect subscription service for voice commands. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription-based features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership costs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which encompassed various driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. Higher trims offered additional features like ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which combined 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 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety with the introduction of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The GX also featured a new proactive driving assist feature. While crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available for the 2024 model, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced safety systems inspired confidence in its safety offerings.