2022 GMC Yukon vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated chrome accents. Even the base SLE model featured enough chrome to give it a premium appearance. As one moved up the trim levels to the Denali, the use of chrome became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The large, multi-dimensional grille, reminiscent of an industrial-sized cheese grater, gave the Denali a unique and commanding presence. The Yukon also offered a tastefully crafted, spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The interior was adorned with perforated leather on most trims, and the Denali featured exclusive interior designs with contrasting colors and natural wood details.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium options. The Rogue's interior was designed for comfort, with Nissan's Zero Gravity seat designs providing support, although the rear seat comfort was less impressive. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area was practical, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of space when the rear seats were folded down.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower. The Yukon also introduced a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Yukon offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD and featured off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and a front skid plate. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the right configuration, and the independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was equipped with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine featured Nissan's variable compression design, aiming to balance performance and fuel economy. The Rogue's CVT included paddle shifters, and the vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by brake-induced cornering aids and a strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension. While the Rogue handled speed bumps well, it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads, and the steering felt lifeless. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in testing.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with significant improvements in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also grew to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's redesign included a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension, contributing to the increased space. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options made accessing the third row easier. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four people comfortably, with room for a fifth when needed. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, and the cargo area was versatile, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of space. However, the Rogue's key fob design was criticized for being difficult to use in low light.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch head-up display on higher trims. The infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. However, the audio quality of the Bose system was not as impressive as expected.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the Alexa Built-in feature was not fully functional during testing.

The 2022 GMC Yukon was equipped with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added features like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags and Safety Shield 360. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some specific tests.