2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue had evolved significantly since its introduction in 2007. It received a major redesign in 2013 that solidified its status as a top-selling compact crossover, often competing fiercely with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Last year’s overhaul transforming the Rogue’s somewhat “cute” styling into a more mature and sophisticated appearance carried forward into the 2022 model with no additional updates.

The Rogue’s exterior design showcased elements familiar in other current-generation Nissan vehicles, notably mirroring the Pathfinder's revamped look. It sported Nissan’s V-motion grille at the front, accompanied by multi-level LED headlights and daytime running lights positioned above the primary headlights. SL and Platinum trims came with LED fog lamps. Subtle design features included active grille shutters, underbody covers for improved airflow, and an “air curtain” that directed airflow around the vehicle. The floating roof, achieved via dark supporting pillars, and the slightly bulging liftgate contributed to the sleek overall look.

Inside, the Rogue adopted a layered dashboard design with distinct horizontal sections, creating a sophisticated and detailed appearance. Depending on the trim level, the dashboard featured contrasting colors and varying surface textures. The center console was a standout feature, thanks in part to the electronic gear selector lever, which saved space and resulted in an open area beneath the console. The space was ample enough to store a purse or even a bucket of fried chicken—demonstrating practical utility.

The central infotainment display, available in 9-inch size, was positioned ideally near the driver’s eye line while the instrument panel ranged from a 7-inch center display in lower trims to a full 12.3-inch digital screen in higher trims. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats were both attractive and comfortable, fitting nicely into the Rogue’s interior. The second-row seats offered generous legroom for a compact crossover, accommodating two adults comfortably or three in a pinch. The fit and finish were impressive, particularly in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, with high-quality materials throughout the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a “modernist” and “reductive” design philosophy, which emphasized clean and simple lines. However, this understated elegance wasn’t necessarily the preference of those seeking attention-grabbing luxury SUVs. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport could be made somewhat flashy with options such as Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels, hinting at a future performance-oriented SVR model.

Our test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a subtle Black Exterior Pack, exemplified this restrained luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme paired beautifully with aluminum and shiny black trim, creating an atmosphere of understated opulence.

Design highlights of the new Range Rover Sport included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and the first use of surface LED technology on a production vehicle in the taillights. It also boasted excellent aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of 0.29.

The cabin exuded luxury and high-tech flair, with the use of sustainable Ultrafabrics material, although Windsor leather remained the dominant material, filling the interior with its rich fragrance. The driver and passengers enjoyed a blend of modern technology and classic Range Rover comfort.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue saw a significant enhancement in its performance characteristics. Historically, the Rogue's performance had been adequate but not exhilarating. The 2022 model benefited from chassis improvements introduced in 2021 and received a boost from a new engine—the latest in Nissan’s VC-Turbo family.

Nissan’s 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, featuring a unique Variable Compression technology, offered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque—an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% boost in torque over the 2021 model’s 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine adapted mechanically to driver demands, changing the compression ratio to either increase power or improve efficiency.

Paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring wider gear ratios, the 2022 Rogue offered better acceleration and responsiveness. The fuel economy was also impressive, with the EPA estimating 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined on regular unleaded fuel.

The Rogue’s chassis and suspension comfortably handled the new engine's liveliness, maintaining smooth and controlled ride quality. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the SUV’s tight 35.4-foot turning diameter was noteworthy.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement, a challenging feat for any SUV. Land Rover equipped the Range Rover Sport with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine available in two tunes: the SE Dynamic with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the SE P360 with 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid electric version, exclusive to the Autobiography P440e, produced 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range.

Though a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 hp was available early on in some 2023 models, it was temporarily removed from the lineup but expected to return in a sportier SVR variant.

The tested SE Dynamic P400 variant, boasting 395 hp, handled everyday driving and towing tasks—a claimed towing capacity of 7,716 pounds—with aplomb. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. The adaptive damping air suspension adjusted up to 500 times per second, balancing ride comfort with handling capabilities.

However, the Range Rover Sport struggled to match the dynamic handling of similarly priced sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Critics noted its tall and heavy feel, the steering's lack of involvement, and excessive body roll in tighter curves without the Dynamic Response Pro system. The drivetrain's lash and clunking during spirited driving further detracted from its sporty claims.

Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, thanks to 11.1 inches of ground clearance, favorable approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a 35.4-inch wading depth. Advanced systems like Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control showcased its prowess on challenging terrains.

The interior of the 2022 Nissan Rogue was designed meticulously with numerous storage solutions catering to a family or commuter’s needs. The front cabin offered bottle holders in the doors, cupholders in the console, multiple USB ports (USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt), and ample storage spaces including a tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers benefitted from seatback storage, door pockets, and their own set of USB ports. The second-row 60/40 split-reclining bench offered respectable flexibility.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue stood out among compact crossovers. The rear provided 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet of storage depending on the configuration. With the second-row seats folded flat, the capacity expanded to an impressive 74.1 cubic feet, delivering considerable space for various hauling needs.

Conversely, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained what it called the Range Rover Command Driving Position, giving drivers and passengers a tall, airy feel. Entry and exit were eased by the air suspension’s ability to kneel. The front seats, clothed in Windsor leather, offered 20-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and an optional massage feature. Rear seats, though less forgiving to taller people, featured excellent thigh and lumbar support, albeit with an excessively reclined seatback angle. Rear amenities included heated outboard seats, manual sunshades, and dedicated air conditioning vents.

Storage within the Sport was decent though slightly limited by design decisions. Space under the center console was too shallow, and the bin under the armrest, although deep, wasn’t wide enough, potentially hiding smaller items. In the cargo area, the Range Rover Sport provided 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to a total of 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Access was aided by air suspension controls that lowered the vehicle for loading and buttons that powered down the 40/20/40-split rear seat for added flexibility.

The spare tire under the cargo floor precluded additional storage there, but nice touches like integrated straps, netted pockets, and hooks helped manage cargo efficiently.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s tech upgrades, introduced in 2021, carried into the 2022 model. Higher trims came equipped with three screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation models leveraged Google Maps and Waze with voice commands, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims.

Nissan’s ProPilot Assist represented a notable feature, integrating with the navigation system to proactively adjust speed based on road conditions. This semi-autonomous system combined steering assist and adaptive cruise control, helping manage acceleration, braking, and steering in varied driving scenarios.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a high-tech experience with a 13.7-inch digital instrument display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a connected services package were standard. Wi-Fi required an additional data plan.

While generally intuitive, the Pivi Pro infotainment system often confused drivers, with some features hard to locate or understand. The native digital assistant frequently misunderstood voice commands, failing basic tasks like finding nearby Starbucks locations. Alternatively, drivers could rely on Alexa or leverage Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for better digital assistance.

Meridian audio systems, active noise cancellation, and wireless smartphone charging (though tucked inconveniently under the infotainment screen) added to the tech-savvy charm of the Range Rover Sport.

Nissan equipped the 2022 Rogue with the comprehensive Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist, available with enhanced features in upper trims, offered Level 2 driver assistance, adjusting speed based on navigation data and helping drivers manage heavy traffic efficiently. The 2022 Rogue earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ according to the 2021 IIHS ratings.

Land Rover installed an array of advanced driver assistance systems in the 2023 Range Rover Sport, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera with ClearSight Ground View. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist, however, received mixed reviews for their responsiveness and reliability.