2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue has been a staple in the Nissan lineup since 2007. By 2013, its redesign had solidified its status as a top seller, often battling it out with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Rogue continued its mature, sophisticated look into 2022 with several design features borrowed from new-generation Nissan vehicles, most notably the Pathfinder. It featured the V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights with DRLs, and optional LED fog lamps on higher trims. Subtle yet impactful, its active grille shutters and underbody covers enhanced aerodynamic performance, while the floating roof illusion created by dark pillars added to its sleek profile. Inside, the Rogue embraced the trend of layered, horizontally separated dashboard designs, utilizing contrasting colors and textures on various trims.

The center console in the Rogue was quite the marvel, featuring an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for other necessities, whether it was a purse or a bucket of fried chicken. Essential tech add-ons like the wireless charging pad and spacious storage compartments were some of the highlights. The 9-inch center infotainment display and a choice of instrument panel screens (7-inch or a full 12.3-inch digital screen) were well-positioned for ease of use. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats provided outstanding comfort, while the second row offered adequate space for two adults or three at a pinch—showcasing Nissan’s dedication to fit and finish, particularly in the high-end Platinum model.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler was quintessentially rugged and unapologetically utilitarian. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler maintained its iconic, no-curves design that spoke to its off-road prowess. Available in two-door or four-door Unlimited configurations, the Wrangler also had the unique ability to remove its doors, providing a more immersive driving experience. Cool features like its fold-down windshield and various top options supported the Wrangler’s adventurer persona. The wide fenders, classic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches all contributed to its unmistakable Jeep aesthetics.

The tailgate’s split function—swing-out lower door and lift-up rear window—made accessing the cargo area simple and efficient, though our tester's Reign color brought a lively razzle-dazzle to the otherwise rugged appearance. Inside, Jeep focused on practicality, featuring easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, straightforward controls, and minimalist dash designs that intentionally negated the need for extraneous doodads. The Wrangler’s interior was fundamentally functional, prioritizing core features over creature comforts like ambient lighting or seat massagers.

Historically, the Nissan Rogue wasn’t known for exhilarating performance but rather competent handling and efficiency. The 2022 model took a significant leap with the introduction of its new VC-Turbo engine. This 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine innovatively adjusted its compression ratio mechanically, offering a mix of power on-demand and fuel efficiency without driver intervention. This new engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a notable improvement over its predecessor. The Rogue exhibited impressive fuel economy with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. Its re-engineered CVT transmission provided a smoother driving experience with more controlled gear ratios, ensuring robust acceleration and responsive handling.

Complementing the engine and transmission, the Rogue's chassis and suspension systems effectively managed the newfound power, providing a smooth, controlled ride with less body roll. The electric power-assisted steering had commendable feedback, and with a 35.4-foot turning diameter, maneuverability was impressive.

For the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, performance was synonymous with versatility. Starting from the standard powertrains, buyers had options ranging from a V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque, to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. For those chasing torque, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque was the choice. Our test model, the Rubicon 392, boasted an enthralling 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 horsepower and an equal torque figure. This Jeep, fitted with 35-inch tires and full-time 4WD, roared down streets, accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and handled off-road trails with ease thanks to its Off-Road Plus button and 58:1 crawl ratio.

However, despite these capabilities, the 392 was plagued by vague steering and underperforming brakes, especially considering its substantial power. In more standard trims, the braking felt more aligned with expected performance, and the steering, while still loose, wasn’t as flawed. While the Wrangler’s solid axles enhanced its off-road skills, this setup resulted in a less comfortable on-road experience compared to competitors like the Ford Bronco with its independent front suspension.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue demonstrated a high degree of practicality with numerous storage solutions tailored for both front and rear passengers. These included bottle holders, cupholders, a remarkably spacious glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and additional dashboard cubbies. Two types of USB ports and a 12-volt outlet were conveniently located near the wireless charging pad. Rear passengers weren’t left out, enjoying seatback and door storage compartments alongside dedicated USB ports. The rear seats offered a 60/40 split reclining bench for flexibility, and cargo capacity ranged from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet, expanding to a generous 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler prioritized utilitarian features, although it fell short in some practicality aspects. The front seats were comfortable, particularly in the high-end 392 or with an added cold-weather package. However, passenger comfort tapered off for rear-seat occupants, especially with limited entry space through the small rear doors and confined seating room for three. Storage solutions were sparse, relegated to a small glove box, a minimal center console, and an ineffective dash-top bin.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Wrangler had 72.4 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Rogue’s maximum. The Wrangler’s tops—including the Sunrider and Sky One-Touch options—provided flexible open-air experiences, although some practicality trade-offs like cumbersome soft-top rear windows existed. Charger accessibility was commendable, with multiple USB ports and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s tech suite saw substantial updates during its 2021 redesign and remained state-of-the-art in 2022. It showcased a tri-screen setup on higher trims, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The system supported voice-controlled navigation integrated with Google Maps and Waze, along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims.

A standout, ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, elevated the Rogue’s semi-autonomous driving capabilities, using navigation data to adjust speed proactively based on road conditions. Nissan’s evolving Intelligent Key facilitated easy rear-door access, enhancing convenience for families on the go.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler kept things straightforward with its 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen in our tester. Although overwhelming at first glance, Uconnect proved user-friendly with features like off-road pages showcasing key vehicle metrics. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured robust smartphone integration while off-road enthusiasts appreciated the forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket customizations.

Jeep limited its tech offerings to core functionalities, avoiding over-the-air updates for vehicle performance and foregoing digital keys. This approach aligned with its rugged persona, focusing on practical, user-friendly technology.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2022 Nissan Rogue, which featured the comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all trims. Standard systems included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also integrated ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. High-end models with ProPilot Assist further enhanced safety by combining steering assist and adaptive cruise control to offer Level 2 semi-autonomy. In addition, enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided predictive speed control based on navigation data. The Rogue earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and had received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the previous model year.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler lagged in safety offerings. Across most trims, standard features were limited to a mandatory rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top-end 392 model and optional elsewhere. Lane-keeping assist wasn’t available at all.

For those who opted for safety features, customization options in settings provided some flexibility. However, mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, including poor headlight performance on some trims, and lower scores from the NHTSA highlighted some safety shortcomings, particularly with rollover risks.