2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a testament to Jeep's enduring appeal, maintaining its classic style while extending its length by over a foot. This SUV exuded a bold presence, especially in the Hydro Blue variant with the High Altitude package, which featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. The interior of the upper trims was impressive, with luxurious touches like black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut accents. Despite some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather, the overall feel was justified for its price point. The Grand Cherokee L's design was a blend of traditional Jeep elements and modern features, making it a standout in the midsize SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue was a more conservative design choice, yet it managed to convey a rugged sense of purpose with its chiseled styling. The Platinum trim, with its Premium package, offered a touch of luxury, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of upscale features. However, the Rogue's design was more about practicality and appeal rather than making a bold statement. It was an attractive vehicle, but its styling was more about fitting in than standing out.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hampered by its standard V6 engine, which produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was criticized for its lack of refinement and low-end torque, making it less than ideal for a vehicle of its size. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better choice, especially for towing, with a maximum capacity of 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis, however, was a strong point, offering confident handling and a comfortable ride, especially with the air suspension. The SUV's off-road capabilities were enhanced by three optional 4WD systems, making it tougher than most competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, provided responsive performance in urban settings but lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly disappointing, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's ride quality was generally good, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires offered modest grip.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered ample interior space, with its extended length providing more legroom for second-row passengers. The SUV featured standard second-row captain's chairs and an optional 60/40 bench seat. The third row was best suited for children, while cargo space was generous, with up to 85 cubic feet available. The interior layout was user-friendly, though some issues with infotainment legibility were noted.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly vehicle, offering comfortable seating for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, though the rear seat comfort was lacking. The Rogue's cargo area was practical, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of space and the versatile Divide-N-Hide feature. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was equipped with Uconnect 5, offering an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system included features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a McIntosh sound system, and a passenger screen with various functions. The SUV also offered advanced tech like night vision and Active Driving Assist, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system was less advanced, featuring an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with standard connectivity options. The Platinum trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system was unreliable, and the infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover tests. It came with a range of standard safety features, including forward emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags and Safety Shield 360. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which combined 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 had some lower scores in specific tests.