2023 BMW X1 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 BMW X1 felt like a refined evolution of its predecessor, maintaining its recognizable design while enhancing its robustness. The larger, squarer kidney grille was less startling than the one on the BMW 4 Series, signaling a readiness for more robust air intake. The flush door handles, standard LED headlights, and a fresh take on the classic L-shaped taillights added to its modern appeal. The color palette expanded significantly, offering 13 exterior color choices, including five new options like Blue Bay Lagoon and Utah Orange. The X1 also introduced 20-inch wheels as an option, wrapped in performance tires, enhancing its sporty look.

Inside, the X1’s cabin exuded a premium feel without being overly luxurious. The BMW Curved Display dominated the dash, providing a clean, uncluttered look. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings were comfortable, and the M Sport Package added sportier elements like a stitched dashboard and heavily bolstered seats. The panoramic moonroof, part of the Premium Package, was particularly impressive, extending far enough to be appreciated by front-row occupants. The slim floating center armrest, aluminum-finished interior door handles, and handy storage shelf below added to the sophisticated yet functional interior design.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a conservative design approach, ensuring it remained appealing to a broad audience. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came loaded with features like AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of interior and exterior upgrades, pushing its MSRP to $43,100. This price point overlapped with entry-level luxury vehicles like the Infiniti QX50, but the Rogue Platinum offered a long list of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.

The Rogue’s interior was designed for comfort and practicality. The Platinum trim featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The front seats, designed with Nissan’s Zero Gravity technology, were exceptionally comfortable, though the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback. The rear seats, while roomy, were less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. Storage space was plentiful, and the hands-free power liftgate revealed up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a significant power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 13 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque from the previous model, allowing the X1 to accelerate from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, providing a more engaging driving experience, especially with the paddle shifters included in the M Sport Package. The upgraded Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems improved comfort and stability, though the ride was a bit stiff.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, equipped with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offered a responsive driving experience in urban and suburban settings. However, it lacked passing power on the highway, and the engine’s unusual note and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue’s EPA fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue’s suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 BMW X1 offered impressive interior space, with 42.1 inches of front headroom and 39.3 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Front-row legroom was 40.4 inches, and rear legroom was 37 inches. Cargo space was also generous, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded down. Heated seats were an optional $550 upgrade, which felt a bit nickel-and-dime-y for a BMW, but they were available as a standalone option rather than bundled into a more expensive package. The wireless charging pad, part of the Premium Package, worked well, keeping the phone secure even on twisty roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed to replace the traditional family car, offering easy entry and exit, better visibility, and a larger cargo area. The Platinum trim featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats were comfortable, though the lack of height adjustment for the front passenger was a drawback. The rear seats were roomy but less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions. The Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The hands-free power liftgate and Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide feature added to its practicality.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, integrating a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The system was responsive and easy to operate, though the navigation struggled with verbal inputs. The touchscreen functioned smoothly, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The Live Cockpit Plus was standard, while the Premium Package added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The X1 also had four USB-C ports and an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the 9-inch screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition technology struggled with basic commands, and the system had difficulty finding points of interest. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2023 BMW X1 came with standard active blind-spot detection, front-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and brake intervention. The Active Driving Assistant Professional suite included speed limit assist, traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. A 360-degree camera system was available as part of the Premium Package, and Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant were also offered.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue included 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.