2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued the model's evolution with a mature and sophisticated design. The exterior featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof illusion created by dark supporting pillars. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and a spacious center console. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row provided comfort and ample space for passengers. Fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, aimed for a subtle yet luxurious appearance. It featured chicane-design LED running lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S Advance trim included perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. The MDX Type S was visually appealing but had some design flaws that detracted from its overall functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, which adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue's new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had a good feel. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The MDX Type S also had poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin offered numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue's cargo area provided 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and did not hold occupants in place well during spirited driving. The second-row seat was comfortable but lacked expected legroom in its rearmost position. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. However, the interior design prioritized style over storage space, limiting practical storage options.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design was not user-friendly and took up valuable storage space. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. However, the MDX experienced issues with false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead exit sign. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.