2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class slotted into Mercedes' SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC models. It was available in two specifications: the GLB250 and the AMG GLB35. The GLB250 came with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more potent drivetrain with a sophisticated AWD system.

There were minor updates for the 2022 model year, such as satellite radio becoming part of the Premium Package, the addition of an AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges, and a new Rose Gold paint option for the AMG GLB35. The base price for the GLB250 FWD started at $38,600, excluding a $1,050 destination charge from Mercedes’ factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The test model, an AMG GLB35, had a starting price of $51,000, and with various options, it totaled $57,250.

The AMG GLB35 could be dressed to mimic its GLB250 counterpart, though the exclusive vertical grille bars on the AMG version gave it a distinctive look. The design was polarizing – likened to decorating a cardboard box, but it nevertheless retained its functionality. Despite form taking a back seat to function, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added style and presence to the test model.

The interior was crafted beautifully, embodying the Mercedes-Benz tradition. High-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays made the cabin inviting, complemented by artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting. New users needed time to adapt to the controls, from the steering wheel stalk for gear selection to touch-sensitive buttons on the wheel. Furthermore, the build quality revealed entry-level Mercedes characteristics, and with the optional 21-inch wheels, road noise was noticeably loud, possibly disappointing those expecting traditional luxury quietness.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class slotted into Mercedes' SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC models. It was available in two specifications: the GLB250 and the AMG GLB35. The GLB250 came with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more potent drivetrain with a sophisticated AWD system.

There were minor updates for the 2022 model year, such as satellite radio becoming part of the Premium Package, the addition of an AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges, and a new Rose Gold paint option for the AMG GLB35. The base price for the GLB250 FWD started at $38,600, excluding a $1,050 destination charge from Mercedes’ factory in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The test model, an AMG GLB35, had a starting price of $51,000, and with various options, it totaled $57,250.

The AMG GLB35 could be dressed to mimic its GLB250 counterpart, though the exclusive vertical grille bars on the AMG version gave it a distinctive look. The design was polarizing – likened to decorating a cardboard box, but it nevertheless retained its functionality. Despite form taking a back seat to function, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added style and presence to the test model.

The interior was crafted beautifully, embodying the Mercedes-Benz tradition. High-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays made the cabin inviting, complemented by artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting. New users needed time to adapt to the controls, from the steering wheel stalk for gear selection to touch-sensitive buttons on the wheel. Furthermore, the build quality revealed entry-level Mercedes characteristics, and with the optional 21-inch wheels, road noise was noticeably loud, possibly disappointing those expecting traditional luxury quietness.

Moving to the 2023 Nissan Rogue, the design avoided risks, maintaining handsome, chiseled styling and a rugged appearance to attract buyers. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The SV, SL, and Platinum trims offered optional Premium packages, and the new Midnight Edition was exclusive to the SV trim.

Our test vehicle, a loaded Platinum trim with the Premium package, AWD, and additional features such as two-tone paint and illuminated kick plates, reached an MSRP of $43,100. Although this placed it in entry-luxury territory, the upscale upgrades justified the price, notably the soft, diamond-pattern leather seats. Interior materials and controls maintained segment quality standards.

However, the AMG GLB35 prioritized performance over daily comfort. Throttle response lagged unless in aggressive driving modes, the DCT seemed confused, and braking felt uneven in urban settings. The firm ride, especially with optional 21-inch wheels, and highway hood fluttering detracted from daily usability. Still, driving enthusiasts would appreciate its agility and responsiveness in Sport+ mode on winding roads.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue transitioned from the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine. This engine delivered 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included paddle shifters, and the Rogue offered FWD with an optional AWD system. Driving modes included Eco, Auto, and Sport, with Off-Road and Snow modes available for AWD models. Remote engine start with climate control preparation was also featured.

The VC-Turbo powertrain felt responsive in urban driving, although highway passing power was lacking. The new engine produced some vibrations and an unusual cabin noise, possibly due to its three-cylinder configuration. The EPA estimated 31 mpg combined for the test vehicle, but it averaged 28.9 mpg during testing.

Nissan’s Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhanced ride quality and cornering. The test vehicle’s strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension, combined with 19-inch alloy wheels, delivered composed handling over speed bumps and sharp roads. Nonetheless, undulating pavements caused unwanted body motion, and the all-season tires offered modest grip. Overall, the Rogue balanced ride compliance and body control, although the steering felt lifeless.

Urban dwellers needing a spacious yet compact SUV would find the Mercedes GLB appealing. It featured comfort and cargo space, with an optional third-row seat for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex), though genuine leather was optional. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof were available options, complementing the 64-color ambient lighting system.

Accessing the GLB was easy, with tall seating positions providing excellent visibility for the driver and front passenger. Storage was decent, though a missed opportunity was the lack of a small tray on the dashboard. The rear doors provided access to comfortable seating for two adults, with hard plastic-painted front seatbacks being non-intrusive due to sufficient legroom.

The optional third-row seat reduced underfloor storage, making the GLB less suitable for those needing frequent three-row configurations. The power rear liftgate opened to a generous 22 cubic-foot cargo area, accommodating four full-size suitcases. With the second-row seats folded flat, cargo space expanded to 62 cubic feet.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, often replacing traditional family cars, offered high ground clearance, better driver visibility, and practical cargo space. The Rogue Platinum test vehicle featured amenities like triple-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The eight-way power driver’s seat and four-way power passenger’s seat were clad in premium semi-aniline leather with diamond-stitched inserts. Both seats were heated, and a heated steering wheel was standard, though ventilated seats were unavailable.

The Zero Gravity front seats mimicked natural support astronauts experience in space, providing exceptional comfort, though front passenger height adjustment was lacking. The Rogue’s large side mirrors and thin windshield pillars offered good visibility. However, the control placement within the split-top center armrest storage bin was inconvenient, and the poorly designed key fob made using it in low light challenging.

Rear doors opened almost 90 degrees, facilitating child loading and unloading. The test vehicle featured rear climate controls, air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, side window shades, and heated outboard seats. While the back seat was spacious, the bottom cushion's low position and diamond-shaped pleats reduced comfort.

Storage was abundant, but most compartments were unlined, causing unwanted noise. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed configurable cargo area arrangements, and underfloor storage was available too.

The GLB’s high-tech interior, though daunting, was made accessible by the standard Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. In the AMG GLB35, MBUX included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. All GLB variants featured standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services, including remote engine start and a vehicle locator. The Premium Package added satellite radio, and the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality.

Additional upgrades not present on the test vehicle were wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. Options like a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and integrated dashcam were also available.

Interaction with MBUX was possible through natural voice recognition, touchscreen displays, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. Users could quickly adapt, leveraging a combination of methods while driving. The MBUX system impressed with its colorful, high-resolution graphics, excellent touchscreen functionality, and effective natural voice recognition. However, its recommendation algorithm needed improvement for specific navigation queries.

Comparatively, the 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with a standard 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen display accompanied by stereo volume and tuning knobs. The test vehicle featured a larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services with Wi-Fi hotspot access, and a navigation system with door-to-door functionality. It also had a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. Alexa Built-in was new for 2023 and standard in the Rogue Platinum.

However, the Alexa Built-in system proved unreliable, struggling with basic navigation queries. The test vehicle also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD), both performing well despite rainy testing conditions preventing polarized sunglasses testing.

Despite nearing a $58,000 price tag, the tested Mercedes GLB lacked the optional $1,700 Driver Assistance Package, which included 12 advanced driving assistance and collision avoidance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Features such as evasive steering assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist were also missing.

Standard safety features on the test vehicle included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. Mercedes-Benz emergency call service was provided free for as long as you owned the GLB. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted extensive safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. The latter encompassed forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

NissanConnect services-equipped Rogues included automatic collision notification, emergency assistance calling, and safe teen driver technology. Additional features were a surround-view camera, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance at highway speeds, and it performed well during testing.

The 2023 Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, although it received marginal and acceptable scores in updated tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact collisions.