2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, offering a refreshed look across its Canadian trim levels: S, SV Moonroof, SV Premium, SL, and Platinum. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. While Nissan claimed updates to the rear fascia, the changes were subtle, primarily involving redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim, with an optional black roof. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the Rogue's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim featured leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown colour option.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its features rather than its looks. The test vehicle sported an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall design was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h was the base model, offering 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The RX 500h, with 366 hp, was the performance-oriented option, while the RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km of electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, and the RX 500h featured sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, but the ergonomics of the controls were mixed, ranging from baffling to brilliant.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a unique powertrain with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup. This engine could vary its compression ratio to prioritize power or fuel economy, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It outperformed competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester in terms of power and torque. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, and the suspension felt firmer than expected, affecting ride quality. Despite its impressive engine performance, the Rogue's exhaust note was less appealing.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the most efficient model. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. While the RX 500h offered plenty of power and quick acceleration, it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h's drivetrain hesitated at times, and the adaptive damping suspension didn't control body motions as expected. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences primarily in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue's cargo space was slightly less than the CR-V and Tucson but more than the Subaru Forester. It featured the optional Divide-N-Hide system for flexible cargo storage and a power liftgate on higher trims. The centre console provided additional storage, though accessing it could be awkward.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud on hot days. The rear seats were comfortable, with ample room for adults. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment system, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with high-tech features. The RX 500h F Sport Black Line included digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant. The RX Hybrid offered a cloud-based navigation system and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received good safety scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added automated lane centring for highway driving.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in the updated moderate overlap frontal-impact test.