2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

In the automotive market of 2023, the aesthetics and road presence of a vehicle played a significant role in consumer preference. The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a cautious yet sophisticated design, conscious of not straying too far from the tried-and-true formula that had made it a crowd favorite. Its proportions were just right, boasting chiseled styling that lent a rugged demeanour. This balance was paramount; no one wanted to drive an unattractive SUV. Offered in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Rogue's cost ranged from $27,360 to $37,140, with an additional $1,295 destination charge. Additional premium packages were obtainable, most notably the exclusive Midnight Edition package for the SV trim.

Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim, came with the Premium option package and was outfitted with AWD, two-tone paint, and numerous interior and exterior enhancements. These luxuries raised the MSRP to a formidable $43,100, edging into the territory of entry-level luxury vehicles like the Infiniti QX50. However, the Platinum trim justified its price with opulent features like soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and high-quality touchpoints, making it a true contender in the compact SUV segment.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid took a bold leap with its sixth-generation model, representing the most significant styling shift in its lineup's history. No longer mild-mannered, the CR-V took on a more assertive, truck-like stance. It was longer by 2.5 inches and wider by half an inch compared to its predecessor, giving it a more muscular build. Signature D-pillar taillights now featured three L-shaped segments, adding a modern, aggressive touch. This combination of LED headlights and taillights enhanced its road presence.

Our test drive involved the Sport Touring trim in deep Canyon River Blue. Special Sport styling elements such as black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch black wheels accentuated its sporty demeanour. Internally, the CR-V followed the design language of its siblings, the Civic and HR-V, retaining the notable honeycomb grille across the width of the dash but executing it in a way that felt integrated and less intrusive. Premium materials and contrast stitching on seats and steering wheel elevated the cabin's feel, aligning with Honda's trend toward a more luxurious interior experience.

Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Rogue underwent substantial changes since it debuted its current generation in 2021. Initially offered with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it transitioned to a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine in the 2022 model year. This VC-Turbo engine was praised for its unique variable compression design, intending to balance performance and fuel efficiency. The engine generated 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and delivered 225 lb-ft of torque between 2,800 and 4,000 rpm, channeled through a CVT with paddle shifters. Standard were Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, while AWD versions added Off-Road and Snow modes.

Despite the innovative powertrain, the Rogue faced criticism. While responsive in city driving, the engine's character left some drivers unimpressed due to its peculiar noise and occasional vibration. Its highway passing power was also underwhelming. Fuel economy was another sticking point; the vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA’s 31 mpg estimate. However, the Rogue redeemed itself with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, ensuring a blend of ride quality and handling prowess. Yet, its steering felt disconnected, and the all-season tires produced noise and moderate grip on uneven pavement.

The new-generation 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified yet powerful approach. Honda married a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to a two-motor hybrid system, producing a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This model, the most powerful CR-V to date, promised a top speed of 115 mph. Its real-world advantages included improved responsiveness for tasks like highway merging and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. Drive modes included Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ, with Snow mode taking advantage of the updated Real Time AWD system capable of sending 50% engine torque to the rear wheels. Hill descent control also made its debut.

One standout feature was the "B" shifter position, enhancing regenerative braking and promoting a near one-pedal driving experience. The CR-V Hybrid’s fuel efficiency was another highlight, achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined for the FWD Sport trim, notable savings over AWD and turbocharged models.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue blended SUV utility with car-like comforts. The elevated seating position made ingress and egress easy while enhancing driver visibility. AWD and higher ground clearance increased confidence on snowy roads, and the spacious cargo area added practicality. The cabin comfortably accommodated four adults, with space for a fifth.

Our Platinum trim test vehicle featured premium materials, a tri-zone climate control system, and a panoramic sunroof. The driver’s and front passenger’s Zero Gravity seats were notably comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Visibility was good, but the oddly positioned ambient lighting control button and the low-contrast key fob were minor irritations. Rear seats were spacious but less comfortable, owing to low-mounted cushions and subpar support. The Rogue provided 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefitted from its larger dimensions. The increase in exterior size translated to greater interior volume, including 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet when folded. This was competitive with other hybrids like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. The Sport Touring model offered a hands-free power tailgate, and wide-opening rear doors eased access.

Passengers enjoyed extra legroom, and during tests, people over six feet tall found the back seats comfortable. Rear seats could recline to various positions, and headroom was adequate despite the lower measurement. The cabin storage solutions were well-thought-out, featuring an array of cupholders and a functional center console.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system worked but felt dated compared to newer models in the segment. It featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Our test car included a 9-inch display, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. However, Android Auto required a wired connection. The system included a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation but struggled with voice recognition, significantly impacting its usability. A 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and head-up display completed the tech suite.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a more refined technology experience. The standard 7-inch touchscreen incorporated physical volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch screen on the Sport Touring trim relegated tuning to hard buttons. Both models included four USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Standard features encompassed dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, while the Sport Touring model added wireless smartphone integration, Sirius XM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Unique to this trim was smart navigation, optimizing routes for fuel efficiency based on terrain.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue excelled in safety features, bolstered by 10 airbags and the comprehensive Safety Shield 360 suite. This included essentials like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced systems such as ProPilot Assist with Navi-link provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. This system worked commendably during our tests, although the braking action was occasionally abrupt. The Rogue earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received middling scores in updated crash tests.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid impressed with its array of standard safety features. The Honda Sensing suite offered adaptive cruise control, improved collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New for 2023 were traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition, enhancing its high-tech safety credentials. The structure of the CR-V was also reinforced for better crash protection. These updates ensured the CR-V would likely retain its Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS and five-star NHTSA rating.