2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet understated design, especially in its Type S Advance trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting a high bar for luxury and style. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, with subtle design cues like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the MDX boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, enhancing its luxurious appeal. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, were less user-friendly, detracting slightly from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rogue featured a new, larger grille and redesigned taillight elements, with the Platinum trim offering more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a more premium feel. The Rogue Platinum test car impressed with its upscale interior, featuring leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown color option. Despite its firm suspension, the Rogue maintained a quiet cabin, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), aimed to provide a thrilling driving experience. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance enhancements didn't fully integrate, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating, and struggled with ride compliance and body roll, making it less cohesive as a performance SUV.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This VC-Turbo engine outperformed many competitors in its class, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without enhancing handling. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's engine performance was commendable, though its droning exhaust note was less appealing.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim included luxurious features like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was practical, with 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals. Its cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, offering 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Rogue featured the optional Divide-N-Hide system for flexible cargo configurations and a molded space for grocery bags. The center console offered additional storage, though accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting and reduced storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to feature Google built-in software, offering Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store integration. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the system was occasionally slow to boot. The Rogue also provided ample charging options, including USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and collision warnings.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The Rogue offered ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system with automated lane centering, available on higher trims.