2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive and clean design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile and minimal extraneous detailing. Updates for the year included a new pixelated design for the “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and fresh wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable with its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, dual-zone automatic climate control, and optional leather upholstery. The Ultimate trim offered luxurious options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, with its chiseled styling and rugged SUV detailing, was designed to appeal to a broad audience. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Rogue offered a range of features, with the Platinum trim boasting upscale touches like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of convenience features. The Rogue’s design was practical, with a focus on comfort and usability, making it a popular choice for families. The interior was well-equipped, though some design choices, like the key fob, were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada were equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC40 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a refined driving experience with smooth power delivery. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 359-kilometre range and a towing capacity of 2,000 kg.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with variable compression, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Rogue offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue’s fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The SUV’s ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless. Overall, the Rogue provided a balanced ride with good handling characteristics.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom, with a generous amount of shoulder room. Cargo space was 566 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded. Interior storage was well-designed, with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious centre console.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly SUV, offering ample space for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue’s rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered up to 2,064 litres of space with the seats folded. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and some storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen. The system included a Harman Kardon audio system and USB-C ports. While the graphics were pleasing, the lack of analog controls made some functions less intuitive.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The test vehicle included a Bose audio system and a wireless charging pad. Voice recognition was limited, and the system struggled with certain commands. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Plus trim added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, while the Ultimate included adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had an “Acceptable” rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had lower scores in some updated crash tests.