2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year. It featured a new, larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted 19-inch wheels with a machined finish and additional black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing its premium feel. The Rogue Platinum model offered leather seats with quilted stitching, adding to its upscale interior.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it visually with other Land Rover models. Its interior was rugged and adventure-ready, featuring soft-touch materials and practical elements similar to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase 130. Each offered various trims, including S, X-Dynamic SE, X, V8, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, came with 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, among other features.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed many competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was sluggish, affecting the overall driving experience. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without improving handling. Despite its quiet cabin, the Rogue's droning exhaust note was a drawback.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, delivering 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-litre V8 options, P500 and P525, offered up to 518 hp. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with slight differences in legroom compared to rivals. Its cargo capacity was 1,033 litres with rear seats up and 2,098 litres with them folded. The Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Rogue also featured a power liftgate and a motion-activated liftgate on higher trims. The centre console provided additional storage, though accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight, depending on the model. The Defender 130 offered the most cargo space, with 433 litres behind the third row and 2,155 litres with all seats folded. The Defender 110 provided up to 2,231 litres in its two-row version. The Defender 90 offered 441 litres behind the second row. The cargo area featured practical hard plastic surfaces, making it easy to clean.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to include Google built-in software, offering integrated Google Maps and Assistant. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the system was occasionally slow to boot. Nissan Connect Services extended its free trial to three years, providing remote connectivity features.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The straightforward setup complemented the Defender's utilitarian design. The system included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The touchscreen's simplicity was appreciated, offering essential features without overwhelming users.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received strong safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from IIHS in several tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with lane centring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, its lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA.