2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

In 2022, the Acura RDX boasted subtle yet refined styling changes inspired by its larger MDX sibling. Enhancements to the grille surround, front and rear bumpers, and revamped wheel designs made it an attractive choice. Notably, the limited-production PMC Edition made a return with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and a unique Orchid interior. The PMC Edition, crafted at Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, topped the lineup, distinguished by its exclusivity and luxury.

Acura’s lineup began with the base model and extended through various packages including Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and the newly introduced A-Spec Advance package. Prices for these models ranged from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, fitted with the A-Spec Advance package and additional features, tallied up to $53,645. The interior boasted high-quality materials and superb build quality, contributing to its quieter ride and upscale ambiance. Although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were polarizing, the RDX’s style still stood out among its peers.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a conservative yet appealing design aimed at maintaining its broad consumer appeal. Its well-proportioned, chiseled styling and rugged SUV detailing provided a sense of purpose and allure. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Rogue's price ranged from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with Premium package, came loaded with features such as AWD, two-tone paint, and a variety of convenience and aesthetic upgrades, culminating in an MSRP of $43,100.

The Platinum trim offered luxurious upgrades, notably its diamond-pattern leather seats and soft, high-quality materials in touchpoints throughout the cabin. Though the Rogue’s styling was more restrained compared to the RDX, it positioned itself as a sophisticated and practical option for families.

Under the hood, the 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, provided spirited and responsive performance, though aggressive driving could significantly decrease its fuel efficiency from the EPA rated 23 mpg down to 20.6 mpg during our tests.

The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, could channel up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering and overall driving dynamics. Acura also re-tuned the adaptive-damping suspension, improving ride comfort in Comfort mode and responsiveness in Sport mode. Additionally, sound-deadening measures and active noise-cancellation made the 2022 RDX quieter than its predecessor, further enhancing its appeal as a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, delivering 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Rogue aimed to balance performance and fuel efficiency. The CVT's simulated gear changes occasionally felt exaggerated, and the powertrain lacked punch for highway passing maneuvers.

The Rogue's suspension setup, including a strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension, provided a balance of ride comfort and handling. Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control aimed to enhance driving dynamics and ride comfort, though some body motion was noticeable on undulating roads. Fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating of 31 mpg, averaging 28.9 mpg during evaluations. Despite these shortcomings, the Rogue maintained a composed and secure handling character in most driving situations.

The 2022 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage. The interior design emphasized a sporty driving position, accentuated by a bold IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout required acclimatization, particularly the transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for infotainment control. The panoramic sunroof, standard on all trims, added to the sense of spaciousness.

The RDX’s front seats, with 12-way power adjustment and optional heating and ventilation, provided excellent support and comfort. The rear seats, though less comfortable, offered adequate space and standard heated cushions on certain trims. Cargo capacity stood at 29.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expanded to 58.9 cubic feet with them folded, complemented by underfloor storage compartments.

Conversely, the 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed to replace traditional family cars, offering elevated driving position and practical features. Its spacious interior easily accommodated four adults, with an optional fifth seat in the back. The Platinum trim featured luxury touches like triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts. Both front seats were heated, but the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback.

Outward visibility in the Rogue was excellent, thanks to large mirrors and thin windshield pillars. The rear seats, though roomy, were less comfortable due to low mounting and inadequate leg support. A nearly 90-degree rear door opening angle was beneficial for loading and unloading. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, with additional underfloor storage and Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide feature for flexible cargo management.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a conservative yet appealing design aimed at maintaining its broad consumer appeal. Its well-proportioned, chiseled styling and rugged SUV detailing provided a sense of purpose and allure. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Rogue's price ranged from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with Premium package, came loaded with features such as AWD, two-tone paint, and a variety of convenience and aesthetic upgrades, culminating in an MSRP of $43,100.

The Platinum trim offered luxurious upgrades, notably its diamond-pattern leather seats and soft, high-quality materials in touchpoints throughout the cabin. Though the Rogue’s styling was more restrained compared to the RDX, it positioned itself as a sophisticated and practical option for families.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured Acura’s True Touchpad Interface (TTI), pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller on the center console. Despite its complexity, users could acclimate to the TTI over time. The infotainment system included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features encompassed satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Premium sound systems varied from a nine-speaker setup to an ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system with 16 speakers, depending on the trim level. The A-Spec Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue utilized an older infotainment system, with an 8-inch standard or 9-inch optional touchscreen paired with physical controls for ease of use. Our test vehicle included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and built-in Alexa, though voice recognition performance was inconsistent. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Despite some limitations, the Rogue’s tech offerings were user-friendly and practical.

The 2022 Acura RDX included structural improvements to enhance side-impact safety, aiming to preserve its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and additional driver-assist technologies like pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. During evaluations, AcuraWatch’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems performed well, though occasional false warnings were noted. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features standard, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. Higher trims offered additional safety technologies such as ProPilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Our testing revealed ProPilot Assist’s effectiveness and comfort, despite minor activation delays. 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 specific tests.