2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The visual appeal and interior design of the Nissan Rogue models for 2022 and 2023 were central to their popularity among consumers. Introduced in 2007 and given a drastic redesign in 2013, the Rogue continued to impress with its 2022 and 2023 iterations, although the refinements varied.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue carried forward the redesign seen in 2021, evolving from slightly cutesy styling to a more mature and sophisticated look. Sporting the V-motion grille characteristic of other Nissan vehicles, the front was complimented by multi-level LED headlights and sophisticated "air curtain" mechanisms to streamline airflow. Higher trims added LED fog lamps. This year saw no significant new styling flourishes, but the design was still praised for its polished and grown-up vibe.

Inside, the 2022 Rogue was lauded for its layered dash design and luxurious feel, particularly in higher trims. For example, an electronic gear selector lever emphasized modernity and increased storage space, while the large 9-inch infotainment display and the various digital screens offered excellent visibility and user-friendliness. The popular Zero Gravity front bucket seats and roomy second-row seating further enhanced its allure for families.

Nissan opted for a safer approach with the 2023 model, retaining the appealing and rugged styling from the previous generation. The Rogue featured proper proportions and maintained just the right amount of SUV detailing, catering to those who value a blend of aesthetics and purpose.

The Platinum trim boasted premium upgrades, such as diamond-pattern leather seats and numerous soft-touch surfaces, elevating the interior to near-luxury status. However, riders noted that the rear seat had some comfort issues, and the key fob design needed improvement due to its low contrast in low light conditions. The triple-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and substantial technology integration illustrated Nissan’s commitment to a refined driving experience.

Both models excelled in fit and finish, with the 2022 Rogue slightly edging out regarding rear seat comfort and overall material quality.

This model year introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine replacing the previous 2.5-liter inline-four. The engine generated 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, an 11% and 24% increase over its predecessor, respectively. This improvement gave the Rogue a more spirited driving character, particularly noticeable during acceleration and highway maneuvers. The new CVT transmission with wider gear ratios added to the vehicle’s responsiveness.

Fuel economy also saw significant improvements with the new engine, delivering an impressive 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined according to the EPA. Moreover, the vehicle maintained smooth handling and controlled ride quality, matching its peppy engine with an accommodating chassis.

The 2023 Rogue retained the improved 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain. While horsepower and torque remained at 201 and 225 lb-ft respectively, some quirks were noted. Though the VC-Turbo powertrain enhanced urban and suburban driving experiences, passing power on highways was lacking. Additionally, the engine’s unique noise and slight vibration through the accelerator pedal due to its three-cylinder configuration raised some concern about overall refinement.

Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control contributed to solid handling characteristics, but some issues with lateral and vertical body motion on uneven surfaces were observed. The AWD system offered varied driving modes, enhancing its adaptability to different driving conditions. Despite the promising specifications, the 2023 model's fuel economy fell short of EPA expectations during testing.

The Rogue displayed numerous thoughtful touches in its design, particularly concerning storage options for families and commuters. The front cabin boasted multiple storage areas, including door bottle holders, console cupholders, a glove compartment, a centralized bin, and various small cubbies. Rear-seat passengers were also provided with storage alternatives and charging ports. Cargo space was a significant advantage, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet with the second row up and a generous 74.1 cubic feet when folded down.

The 2023 model continued the trend of functionality with a higher driving position making ingress and egress easier, especially appealing to family users. Premium features such as triple-zone climate control, practical storage spaces, and the hands-free power liftgate made the 2023 model a strong competitor. Despite these perks, the rear seats lacked comfort, suffering from a low cushion mounting and unsupportive leg placement. Cargo capacity was substantial, matching the 2022 Rogue’s 36.5 cubic feet expandable to 74.1 cubic feet, with the versatility enhanced by the Divide-N-Hide feature and remote levers for folding down the back seats.

The 2022 model boasted a technology-laden cockpit with significant screen real estate. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display in higher trims. Integration with navigation provided intuitive driving aid, supported by Google Maps and Waze. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept connections seamless, and ProPilot Assist further streamlined the driving experience through Navi-link integration.

The 2023 Rogue retained many of the technological advancements seen in its predecessor but showcased certain enhancements. It included a slightly older infotainment system, lacking the new widescreen variant, but still offered an impressive complement of features like Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. Even as Alexa Built-in faltered during testing, features like the robust Bose audio system, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital display held the 2023 Rogue firmly in the tech game.

The 2022 Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, encompassing automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Upgrades like ProPilot Assist and Blind Spot intervention were available. The model earned a four-star NHTSA overall safety rating and was expected to uphold its 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Safety features in the 2023 model were similarly comprehensive, with Safety Shield 360 standard. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link for enhanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering brought additional peace of mind. It earned a five-star NHTSA overall rating, though IIHS ratings highlighted some weaker points in updated crash tests, contrasting the higher rating consistency of the 2022 model.