2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics, featuring well-proportioned and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, equipped with a Premium package, offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of other luxury upgrades, pushing its price to $43,100.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, built on the TNGA-K platform, was a spacious crossover with a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered a more conservative, blocky design compared to its smaller sibling, the Highlander. Available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, the Grand Highlander featured Softex synthetic leather in lower trims and real leather in higher trims, with options for Portobello upholstery. It was designed for comfort and practicality, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a large center console.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The Rogue's VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The CVT was generally smooth, but the engine's noise and vibration were noticeable. Fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined, but real-world tests showed 28.9 mpg.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-liter hybrid with 245 horsepower, and a Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower. The Hybrid Max delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander had Sport, Eco, and Normal drive modes, with additional off-road modes for AWD models. While its size made it less maneuverable, the brakes were solid, and acceleration was adequate.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue provided a practical alternative to midsize cars, with a spacious interior for four adults and a fifth in a pinch. It featured premium leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. The rear seats were less comfortable, and the key fob design was criticized for being difficult to use in low light. Cargo space was generous, with up to 74.1 cubic feet available.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled in space, offering 97.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. It provided ample head, leg, and shoulder room across all rows, making it comfortable for adults even in the third row. The Grand Highlander was a compelling choice for those needing a spacious and comfortable vehicle without opting for a minivan.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system was unreliable, struggling with basic commands.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering dual-device Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available via subscription. The 11-speaker JBL stereo provided excellent sound quality, and streaming audio integration was offered.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, including features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link was available, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While not yet crash-tested, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.