2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Volvo XC60 offered a choice of three powertrains, including the B5 and B6 models with turbocharged engines and standard all-wheel drive. The XC60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid, combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing an estimated 58 kilometres of electric driving range. Prices in Canada ranged from over $50,000 to more than $90,000, with various trim levels and exterior themes. The test vehicle, a Recharge Ultimate with a Dark exterior theme, featured premium options like Thunder Grey paint, a Climate Package, air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, bringing the MSRP to $90,200. The XC60's design, both exterior and interior, was praised for its style and Scandinavian minimalism, with luxurious touches like black leather, wood trim, and ambient lighting.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, with its appealing design and rugged SUV detailing, was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The test vehicle, a US-specification Platinum trim, featured all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats. While the Rogue's interior offered comfort and quality, it lacked ventilated front seats. The Rogue's design was practical, with good visibility and a user-friendly layout, though the key fob design was criticized for its lack of thoughtfulness. The rear seat comfort was less impressive, but the Rogue provided ample storage space and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The XC60 Recharge's driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, allowed for versatile performance. The vehicle could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, making it exceptionally quick. The XC60 Recharge's updates included a more powerful electric motor, enhancing its driving dynamics. The vehicle's fuel economy averaged 4.3 L/100 km on a 105-kilometre evaluation route, showcasing its efficiency. The XC60 Recharge's driving experience varied based on the selected mode, with Power mode providing a sportier feel, while Pure and Hybrid modes offered a comfortable ride.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue's driving modes included Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban and suburban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy averaged 8.1 L/100 km, slightly below expectations. The vehicle's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless. Overall, the Rogue offered a good balance of ride compliance and body control.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, provided exceptional comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The rear seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited. The XC60 offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. Storage options included practical spots in the centre console and door bins. The power liftgate and air suspension made loading easier, though there was no underfloor storage due to the battery pack.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four passengers comfortably, with room for a fifth if necessary. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs provided comfort, though the rear seat lacked leg support. The vehicle offered good visibility and straightforward controls, though the key fob design was criticized. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system with complimentary access to Google services. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with additional features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi access. The voice-recognition system was generally effective, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality, though the standard Harman Kardon system was also impressive.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The test vehicle included a Bose premium audio system, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, and a head-up display. The voice recognition system struggled with certain requests, and the infotainment system was due for an update. Despite these issues, the Rogue's technology package was comprehensive, with features like a wireless charging pad and NissanConnect services.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring assistance. The system performed well on highways, providing smooth and accurate operation. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 models received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the PHEV model had not been assessed.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a robust array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The system combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, performing well on highways. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.