2022 Acura MDX vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

CarGurus experts rate both the 2022 Acura MDX and the 2023 Nissan Rogue with an 8 out of 10 for look and feel, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the design and quality of both vehicles. The 2022 Acura MDX represents a significant evolution in the luxury SUV category with its innovative design and attention to detail. It is built on a new dedicated platform that increases its proportions, including a longer wheelbase and overall length, a wider body, and a greater dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegance. LED headlights and larger wheels contribute to a sportier, more assertive appearance. Inside, the MDX boasts a modernized interior with high-quality materials, including natural wood, aluminum, and leather, creating a luxurious feel. The seating is comfortable, with a wide range of adjustments, and the vehicle offers a choice of exterior colors and interior themes. The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintains a handsome and properly proportioned design that appeals to a wide audience. Its trim levels range from S to Platinum, with prices reflecting a competitive stance in the compact SUV segment. The Platinum trim offers upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a variety of convenience and luxury upgrades. Despite its entry-luxury pricing, the Rogue delivers an appealing package that includes standard and optional features designed to meet the needs of its buyers.

In performance, the 2022 Acura MDX and the 2023 Nissan Rogue are rated 8 and 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, respectively. The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is available with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) that enhances cornering feel and control. Its suspension and steering improvements contribute to a solid, confident ride. The Rogue features a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering a blend of performance and fuel economy. However, it lacks passing power on the highway and presents some refinement issues. Despite this, the Rogue provides a balanced ride with good ride compliance and body control.

When comparing the form and function of the 2022 Acura MDX and the 2023 Nissan Rogue, it's evident that both vehicles serve their intended markets well, albeit in slightly different capacities due to their positioning in the SUV hierarchy. The 2022 Acura MDX is a luxury three-row SUV designed to cater to a variety of needs—from serving as a spacious family hauler to doubling as an elegant commuter vehicle. Its interior design maximizes passenger comfort, especially in the first two rows, with its dual bucket sport seats upfront and a second row that features a removable center section. This allows for an adjustable legroom balance between the second and third rows, enhancing comfort across the board. The third row, primarily suited for children or smaller adults, ensures even large families or groups can travel together. In terms of luggage capacity, the MDX is quite accommodating. Behind the third row, there are between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet available for storage, which expands to between 39.1 and 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down. When both the second and third rows are folded, the MDX transforms into a cargo giant, offering between 71.4 and 95 cubic feet of space. This level of flexibility and space makes the MDX highly functional for both daily use and longer trips where luggage and gear might be more substantial. Conversely, the 2023 Nissan Rogue, while smaller as a compact SUV, still offers significant versatility and practicality. It presents itself as an appealing choice for those transitioning from a traditional family car, benefiting from the higher driving position and added ground clearance typical of SUVs. This model comfortably accommodates up to five passengers, making it a solid option for smaller families or groups. In terms of cargo capacity, the Rogue offers up to 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to as much as 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This, coupled with its Divide-N-Hide cargo system, allows owners to customize the storage area for different needs, from grocery runs to outdoor adventures. Both vehicles demonstrate thoughtful design when it comes to accommodating passengers and cargo. The MDX shines with its larger size, providing more space and comfort, especially for third-row passengers, and offering a significantly larger maximum cargo capacity. The Rogue, while not as spacious, still delivers on practicality and flexibility, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV market. Each SUV brings its strengths to the table, with the MDX leading in luxury and space and the Rogue in compact efficiency and value.

Technology ratings from CarGurus experts give the 2022 Acura MDX an 8 out of 10 and the 2023 Nissan Rogue a 7 out of 10. The MDX shines with its ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Amazon Alexa integration, wireless connectivity options, and a host of other tech features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. The Rogue, while offering a competitive suite of tech features, relies on an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system and experienced some functionality issues during testing. Both vehicles provide digital instrumentation and advanced tech features, but the MDX offers a more comprehensive and refined technology package.

Safety assessments yield an 8 out of 10 rating for the 2022 Acura MDX and a 7 out of 10 for the 2023 Nissan Rogue from CarGurus experts. The MDX is designed with a focus on achieving top safety ratings, featuring a robust suite of driver assistance technologies under the AcuraWatch umbrella. The Rogue is well-equipped with safety features, including the Safety Shield 360 suite and available ProPilot Assist, but it shows some weaknesses in specific crash test scores. Both vehicles aim to provide comprehensive safety packages, but the MDX's anticipated improvements in crash-test ratings and its advanced safety technologies give it an edge.

Cost-effectiveness is where the two models diverge significantly in CarGurus' ratings, with the 2022 Acura MDX receiving an 8 out of 10 and the 2023 Nissan Rogue a 4 out of 10. The MDX offers a competitive price for its luxury segment, with a range of trims that add value through luxury, convenience, and technology enhancements. The Rogue's pricing can quickly escalate with added options, and its value proposition is challenged by the absence of complimentary maintenance and the lack of hybrid or plug-in hybrid options that competitors offer. The MDX's positioning within its competitive set and the value it provides make it an attractive option for luxury SUV buyers.