2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation as a top seller in the compact crossover segment. With its mature and sophisticated design, the Rogue showcased a more grown-up look, featuring Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof. The interior was thoughtfully designed with a layered dash and contrasting colors, offering a sophisticated and detailed appearance. The center console was a standout feature, with an electronic gear selector lever that saved space, allowing for additional storage options. The Rogue’s cabin was both attractive and comfortable, with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a spacious second row, providing ample legroom for passengers. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 represented a significant departure from Volvo’s past boxy designs, offering a purposeful yet understated appearance. The front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights adding a modern flair. The XC90’s dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The interior was elegant, featuring a two-tone leather steering wheel, luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, and tasteful wood deco inlays. The minimalist design was complemented by a few physical controls, creating a clean and beautiful look. However, the lack of cubby space for smaller items was a minor drawback in the otherwise serene and pleasant cabin.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a boost in performance with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous model, offering an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque. 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 new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and a tight turning diameter of 35.4 feet.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 engine, featuring both a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Although the powertrains sacrificed some horsepower and torque for better fuel efficiency, the XC90 offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and the XC90 handled corners well despite its size. The mild-hybrid system improved the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology, making it almost imperceptible. The XC90’s brakes provided a confident and solid pedal feel, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in providing ample storage options for both front and rear passengers. The front cabin featured numerous storage spaces, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue’s cargo area was generous, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space with the second row in place and expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while offering a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, faced some challenges with storage space. The lack of a dedicated space for a cell phone and limited cubby space were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and maxing out at 65.5 cubic feet. This was less than some competitors in its class, but the XC90’s smaller size contributed to its agile driving dynamics.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trim levels. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to both front and rear doors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 boasted a smart 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, offering natural-language recognition for seamless interaction. The XC90’s tech allowed for commands via Google Home devices, enhancing convenience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated. Despite this, the minimalist design and advanced tech made the XC90’s infotainment system impressive.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, providing a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90 featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and speed in traffic. These safety features were standard, reinforcing Volvo’s reputation for producing some of the safest vehicles on the road.