2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Volvo XC60 offered a choice of three powertrains, including the B5 and B6 models with turbocharged engines and standard all-wheel drive. The XC60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid, combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering an estimated 35 miles of electric range. Prices ranged from just under $46,000 to over $76,000, with trim levels like Core, Plus, Ultimate, and Polestar Engineered. The test vehicle, a Recharge Ultimate with a Dark exterior theme, featured luxurious touches like Thunder Grey paint, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a panoramic sunroof, culminating in a $74,690 MSRP. The XC60's design, both exterior and interior, showcased Volvo's enduring style, with Scandinavian minimalism and opulent materials enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, with its chiseled styling and rugged SUV detailing, was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, priced from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, tested with a Premium package, AWD, and additional features, reached an MSRP of $43,100. This positioned it in entry-luxury territory, overlapping with the Infiniti QX50. The Rogue's interior boasted diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, though some might find the engine's character less refined. Despite its upscale features, the Rogue's design remained practical and appealing, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. It offered a 35-mile electric range and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The XC60 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing drivers to tailor performance and efficiency. In Pure mode, the XC60 achieved 38.3 miles on electric power alone, while Hybrid mode provided a balance of performance and efficiency. The XC60's Power mode enhanced responsiveness, making it enjoyable on twisty roads. The vehicle averaged 54.6 mpg on a 65-mile route, showcasing its impressive fuel economy when driven thoughtfully.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD models. The VC-Turbo engine provided responsive performance in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue averaged 28.9 mpg on the evaluation loop, slightly below EPA expectations. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. Overall, the Rogue delivered a secure and consistent handling experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover, comfortably seated four, with snug but supportive front seats wrapped in Nappa leather. The rear seats offered comfort but limited legroom. Storage was decent, with practical spots in the center console and door bins. The XC60 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate and ski pass-through added convenience, though underfloor storage was absent due to the battery pack.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, a compact SUV, served as a family car replacement, comfortably seating four with room for a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats offered comfort, though rear seat comfort was lacking. Storage was plentiful, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, and underfloor storage added practicality.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system, offering access to Google Assistant, Maps, and Play. The system supported Apple CarPlay and included SiriusXM and Wi-Fi access. The voice-recognition system impressed, handling various requests effectively. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, though the standard Harman Kardon system sufficed for most.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a Bose audio system, a 12.3-inch digital display, and a head-up display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its usefulness. Despite this, the Rogue's infotainment system provided essential connectivity and entertainment features.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, synonymous with safety, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. It excelled on highways, maintaining smooth and accurate performance. Oncoming Lane Mitigation added collision avoidance capabilities. The XC60 B5 and B6 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, though the PHEV model was untested by the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue included Safety Shield 360, offering a suite of driver assistance features. Higher trims added ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. The system performed well on highways, though braking could be abrupt. 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 specific crash tests.