2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a sophisticated blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen, while not as large as some competitors, was a staple atop the dash, and the materials quality was commendable, though not as exclusive as in previous years.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, maintaining its trim levels of S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The new, larger grille seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature features of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue Platinum featured more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the Rogue's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching. The upscale interior design of the Rogue Platinum made it feel deserving of its top-tier status, with leather upholstery that was both high-quality and fitting for the segment.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exclusively available with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5 models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery due to the slow-reacting transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering that inspired confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road and wind noise.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain was a standout feature, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that utilized Nissan's VC-Turbo technology to vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. It produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming many competitors' engines. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, detracting from the engine's performance. The Rogue came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. While not marketed as a driver's car, the Rogue's suspension felt firmer than the segment norm, affecting ride quality without enhancing handling. Despite the impressive engine, the Rogue's exhaust note was less appealing, though the cabin remained quiet.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to be functional and well-organized. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar, and the rear view was better than average. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided up to 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with the Sportback offering slightly less at 24.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences mainly in legroom compared to rivals. The Rogue's maximum cargo space was 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, offering less space than some competitors but more than others. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the cargo area included a molded space for grocery bags. The Rogue featured a power liftgate on SV models and a motion-activated liftgate on SL and Platinum models. The center console provided additional storage, though accessing the floor-level tray was awkward.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning available through Audi Connect Care. Mid-range trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower-level S and SV models featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum models received a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. Connectivity was free for five years, with a vehicle data plan required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received top safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 its highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and matrix-design LED headlights.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue also received strong safety scores, with top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver assistance system, was available on higher trims, offering features like automated lane centering and navigation-based speed adjustments.