2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered a mature and sophisticated exterior design that built upon its 2021 transformation. From its inception in 2007, the Rogue had evolved significantly, and by the 2013 model year, it had established itself among the top sellers in its segment. The latest version mirrored several design elements from other updated Nissan models, particularly the Pathfinder. Up front, it showcased the brand's signature V-motion grille bordered by multi-level LED headlights, while the SL and Platinum trims sported LED fog lamps below. Notable aerodynamic features such as active grille shutters, underbody covers, and an "air curtain" to direct airflow around the vehicle were integrated to improve efficiency. The floating roof illusion, created by dark supporting pillars, alongside the subtle bulges of the liftgate, added to its sleek appearance.

Inside, the Rogue's cabin featured a layered dash design with horizontal striations that varied in surface texture and color across different trims. The center console stood out due to its electronic gear selector lever, which saved space and allowed for practical storage beneath. The console also housed two cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and a large storage cubby beneath the center armrest. The top trims boasted a 9-inch center infotainment display mounted high on the dash, and the instrument panel varied from a 7-inch center display in lower trims to a full 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims.

The Rogue's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats were lauded for their comfort, and the second row provided ample legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably or three in a pinch. Throughout the cabin, the Rogue exemplified Nissan's commitment to quality, especially evident in the fit and finish of the Platinum model.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda HR-V embraced a sleeker, more modern design compared to its predecessor. The new generation saw a lowered beltline and simplified detailing, along with the removal of quirky elements like hidden rear door handles. The cleaner lines were complemented by the elimination of black molding strips on the roof, and the windshield wipers were neatly tucked away under the hood lip. Available in fresh colors like Nordic Forest Pearl and Urban Gray Pearl, the HR-V appeared refined and contemporary.

Standard 17-inch silver alloy wheels adorned the HR-V, with the EX-L model sporting Shark Gray wheels and the Sport trim featuring 18-inch black alloy wheels. Sport trims also differentiated themselves with a black rear spoiler, chrome exhaust, and a more aggressive grille.

Inside, the HR-V featured either black or gray cloth seats by default, with Sport trims adding black seats with orange contrast stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The EX-L trim, which we drove, offered perforated leather seats with extra shoulder support, along with amenities like dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. The interior design took cues from the 2022 Civic, notably the metal honeycomb grille hiding the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a thoughtfully shaped center console that enhanced refinement. Despite adopting a fastback look, the HR-V maintained excellent visibility with larger rear seat windows and rear windshield.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue showcased marked improvements in performance, starting with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine. Although the Rogue's performance had never been a letdown, it had not been particularly thrilling either, until the introduction of the Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine. This advanced technology allowed the engine to alter its compression ratio mechanically, optimizing performance for both power and efficiency without driver intervention. This three-cylinder engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, representing a significant increase from the 2021 model's 2.5-liter engine.

The new engine brought a welcome boost to the Rogue's performance, making it livelier in various driving scenarios. Fuel efficiency was also noteworthy, with the EPA estimating 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue retained its CVT, but the new model came with a wider gear ratio range, enhancing overall driving responsiveness. While the CVT drone was still present, it was less noticeable than before. The Rogue's chassis and suspension system ensured a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered a responsive feel with a tight 35.4-foot turning diameter.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda HR-V featured a singular powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This represented an increase of 17 hp and 11 lb-ft over the previous model. The HR-V's transmission was also a CVT, equipped with a new Step-Shift function to simulate gear changes during acceleration, but paddle shifters were no longer available on any trim.

Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, and engage Sport mode by pulling the shifter back a notch. Snow mode optimized the vehicle's performance for slippery conditions by adjusting the transmission and throttle response, while ECON mode aimed to maximize fuel efficiency. Sport mode held simulated gears longer, maintaining the engine in the power band. Despite attempts to reduce cabin noise, the HR-V remained somewhat noisy at moderate to high speeds.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The HR-V's new front and independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, provided a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience on winding roads, though it was underpowered compared to competitors. Additional powertrain options, such as the 1.5-liter turbo engine from the Civic, would have been a welcome addition to the HR-V lineup.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's interior exemplified thoughtful design and practicality. The front cabin offered numerous storage solutions, including bottle holders in the doors, cupholders in the console, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers also had options such as door storage, seatback pockets, and a center armrest with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, allowing versatility in seating and cargo arrangements.

Cargo capacity was one of the Rogue's strengths, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up, depending on the configuration. When the second row was folded flat, the Rogue provided a generous 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it an ideal choice for families or those with ample storage needs.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V was a subcompact SUV with a well-thought-out interior that made the most of its space. The center console featured a shelf for storing items under the controls for various functions, while two USB ports provided convenient locations for charging devices. The HR-V's interior dimensions included 39.4 inches (38.4 with a moonroof) of front headroom and 38.0 inches in the rear, ensuring a comfortable experience for occupants despite the slightly reduced rear headroom due to its new fastback design.

Cargo space measured at 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the previous model's capacity. However, Honda maintained that the HR-V's cargo capacity remained competitive within its class. The new 60/40 split rear seats featured an ergonomic hinge enabling a higher seating position for easier entry and egress while still creating a nearly flat floor when folded. Interior passenger volume varied slightly among trims, with LX and Sport offering 98.7 cubic feet and EX-L 97.3 cubic feet. Rear legroom saw a minor decrease to 37.7 inches, while front legroom increased to 41.9 inches, benefiting front-seat passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a technology overhaul in its 2021 redesign, carrying forward the enhancements into the 2022 model. Higher trims showcased a trio of significant screen upgrades: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. When equipped with navigation, the Rogue leveraged Google Maps and Waze with voice commands. Standard across the lineup were Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims.

ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with navigation on models featuring ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system could proactively adjust the vehicle's speed based on upcoming road conditions, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

Nissan's Intelligent Key evolved further, allowing for unlocking of both front and rear doors with a simple double-tap on the rear door handle, a small but appreciated convenience for users who frequently carried passengers.

The 2023 Honda HR-V followed a similar trend of technological enhancement, shifting to a tablet-style touchscreen design for its infotainment system. Physical knobs for power and volume control remained, along with buttons for key functions depending on the trim level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard across the board, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim, which also included a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and a 9-inch infotainment display.

Standard features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system, while the Sport trim upgraded to a six-speaker system with additional features such as Smart Entry, remote start, and walkaway auto lock. The EX-L trim further enhanced the experience with an eight-speaker audio system, WiFi capability, and SiriusXM and HD Radio, providing a robust and versatile technological package.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with the Safety Shield 360 suite, encompassing features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Supplementary safety features included ten airbags, extended crumple zones, and technologies like Intelligent Driver Alertness and rear door alert. Optional safety enhancements such as blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition were also available.

ProPilot Assist further enhanced the Rogue's safety features to a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system, capable of managing acceleration, braking, and steering in various traffic scenarios. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, while the IIHS had yet to release its ratings for the model year, previously awarding the 2021 model a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Honda HR-V responded to previous criticisms by making the Honda Sensing suite standard across all trims, providing advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, and forward-collision warning. New for 2023 were traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beam headlights, alongside a driver-attention monitor and blind-spot information system on Sport and EX-L trims. The EX-L also added front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control.

The previous HR-V model received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and mostly “Good” scores from IIHS, though it missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation due to some "Poor" ratings. Updated airbags and safety features in the new model might likely improve these ratings.