2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation with a mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof, all contributing to a refined appearance. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a detailed and tasteful cabin. The center console was a standout feature, with an electronic gear selector lever that freed up space for storage, including a wireless charging pad and a 9-inch infotainment display. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the spacious second row accommodated passengers with ample legroom. Overall, the Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to other blocky Toyota models, with flared fenders and a hood that fell away from sight, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the GX's interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, though it was marred by an abundance of plastic materials. Despite this, it offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design was more about rugged capability than modern luxury, appealing to those who valued off-road prowess.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was significantly enhanced by its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% boost in torque compared to the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, resulting in impressive fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, while the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was notable, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. The GX's weight contributed to noticeable body roll, though it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a solid choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in providing practical interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers also had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, making it a versatile choice for families and commuters.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while offering ample cubby space, fell short in terms of cargo capacity. The center console bin was spacious, and the front cupholders were conveniently placed. However, the GX lacked USB-C ports, and the door pockets were small. The second row provided good legroom and headroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and the cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors, catering to families with frequent rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite a recent infotainment update, felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX's off-road capabilities were a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhancing its performance on challenging terrain. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control, appealing to adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist elevated safety with adaptive cruise control and steering assist. 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 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, offered a range of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX incorporated modern safety features, ensuring a level of protection for its occupants.