2024 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Its design was characterized by well-proportioned, chiseled styling that conveyed a sense of purpose without veering into the realm of excessive boldness. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The lineup offered various trims, including the S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came with a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a two-tone paint job, pushing its MSRP to $43,100. Despite its high price, the Rogue Platinum offered a luxurious experience, with soft-touch materials and quality controls that met the standards of the compact SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design that harked back to the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant. The Bronco's rugged appearance was enhanced by the Sasquatch Package, which included a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and a go-anywhere look. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with prices starting at $41,525 and going up to $71,580, excluding the Raptor model. Our test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim with the Sasquatch Package, had an MSRP of $55,415. The Bronco's interior was functional, with marine-grade upholstery that was water-resistant but not breathable, and a dashboard design reminiscent of the original Bronco. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Bronco's interior was more refined than its primary rival, the Jeep Wrangler, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, powered the front wheels, with AWD available as an option. The Rogue offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD models. While the VC-Turbo powertrain was an improvement over the previous 2.5-liter engine, it lacked highway passing power and had a unique engine note that some might find unrefined. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined by the EPA, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission was available, and the Bronco's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine offered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter V6 with 418 horsepower. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system and various G.O.A.T. modes provided excellent off-road capability. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined for the Big Bend Sasquatch. During testing, the Bronco averaged 16.9 mpg. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco was enjoyable on-road, with a rugged charm that appealed to enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided excellent comfort, though the rear seats were less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions. The Rogue's cargo area offered 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate and Divide-N-Hide feature added convenience, though the unlined storage areas could cause noise.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the four-door configuration, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The absence of a rollbar in the rear improved comfort for back-seat passengers. The Bronco's marine-grade vinyl upholstery was durable but not breathable, and cloth seats were available in the Heritage Edition. The Bronco's cargo space varied depending on the roof configuration, with the four-door model offering up to 83 cubic feet with the seats folded. The ability to remove the roof and doors added versatility, and the MOLLE panels provided customizable storage solutions.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The test vehicle had a 9-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its usefulness. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco's Sync 4 system experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and 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 crash tests.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA.