2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, a staple in Nissan's lineup since 2007, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated design. The latest model carried forward the grown-up look introduced in the previous year, featuring a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage space, including a large center console and a 9-inch infotainment display. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row added to the comfort, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, available in nine distinct trims, stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. The blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The interior featured a rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just aesthetic; it included functional elements like cleats above the headlights and easily removable fenders and doors.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance received a significant boost with the introduction of the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, part of the Variable Compression Turbo family, adjusted the compression ratio mechanically to optimize power and efficiency. The new engine improved fuel economy, achieving 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission had wider 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 offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor trim with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's engines were paired with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes, numerous camera views, and Trail Turn Assist. On-road, the Bronco offered a quieter and more stable ride than the Jeep Wrangler, though its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered a well-thought-out interior with numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and cubbies in the dash. Rear-seat passengers had storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The 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 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with ample room in both the two-door and four-door models. The two-door offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.3 cubic feet, while the four-door provided 35.6 cubic feet, expandable to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray, and accessory rails atop the dash. The rear seats did not fold flat, but the roof's mounting points could hold an overlanding platform and tent. The fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing the Bronco's off-road versatility.

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

The 2023 Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes, numerous camera views, and Trail Turn Assist. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Ford’s SYNC 4. Most Broncos came with an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available as an option. The Bronco's tech features made off-roading easier for novices while providing manual controls for seasoned off-roaders.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured 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 Ford Bronco's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors. The High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, while the Luxe package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, and a "Good" rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests.