2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined look. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a rugged yet appealing design, with proper proportions and chiseled styling. The Platinum trim of the Rogue came with upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel. However, some ergonomic issues, such as the poorly designed key fob and uncomfortable rear seats, detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional boost from an electric motor. This setup provided ample power and smooth performance, although the suspension lacked the refinement expected from a luxury SUV. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered responsive performance in urban settings but lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, although the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a seven-seat configuration with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Despite some ergonomic issues, the GLS was well-equipped for moving people and cargo.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four people comfortably with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim included features like triple-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seats were uncomfortable, and the key fob design was frustrating. The Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system was user-friendly, but the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The navigation system had some quirks, such as suggesting inefficient routes.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition system struggled with basic commands, and the infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, although it had some lower scores in specific tests.