2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly dramatic. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to maintain a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the vehicle was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue showcased a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Platinum trim test vehicle came loaded with features, including two-tone paint, a frameless rearview mirror, and illuminated kick plates. The interior boasted diamond-pattern leather seats and numerous comfort upgrades, such as a triple-zone automatic climate control system and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. However, the Rogue's rear seat comfort was less impressive, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats that felt like sitting on bubble wrap.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, but our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also came with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made maneuvering easy, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a smooth ride over speed humps. However, the 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires were less forgiving on rougher surfaces. On winding roads, the GLE 53 Coupe felt nimble and composed, with impressive grip and braking performance. Switching to Sport+ mode unleashed the SUV's full performance potential, making it a thrilling drive on challenging roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. The engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes. AWD versions also included Off-Road and Snow modes. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, but our test vehicle achieved 28.9 mpg.

The Rogue's new powertrain felt responsive in urban and suburban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's unusual note and vibration through the accelerator pedal might be off-putting to some drivers. The Rogue's suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, but the steering felt lifeless. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue demonstrated a secure and consistent handling character.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe could technically seat five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making them comfortable for long drives. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom for adults, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, comfortably seated four people, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim test vehicle featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The front seats, designed with Nissan's Zero Gravity technology, were comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. The cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the storage spaces were unlined, potentially causing unwanted noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system also offered wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. New for 2023, Alexa Built-in was standard in the Rogue Platinum, though the voice recognition technology struggled with accuracy. The test vehicle also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with impressive lane-keeping assistance and emergency stop capabilities. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came standard with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trim levels offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with 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 updated small overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests.