2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence as a midsize SUV. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, which did not detract from its overall elegance. The matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of refinement, which continued inside with quilted leather seats. The interior featured a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the unique two-spoke steering wheel set it apart from other luxury brands. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more traditional design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. 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 with a Premium option package and additional features like all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and various lighting and protection upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $43,100. This price point overlapped with entry-level luxury vehicles, but the Platinum trim offered upscale features such as diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch surfaces. The Rogue's design choices aimed to appeal to a broad audience, ensuring it remained an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and stylish compact SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle featured the larger engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue's powertrain felt responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The CVT's simulated gear changes could be dramatic, and the engine's unusual note and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue demonstrated a good balance of ride compliance and body control, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of luxury features. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats in our test model. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, while the Nappa leather seats provided sumptuous comfort. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 boasted a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, and a panoramic glass roof. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 offered impressive utility.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family car replacement, accommodating four people comfortably, with room for a fifth. Our Platinum test vehicle featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats, designed with Nissan's Zero Gravity concept, were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the Divide-N-Hide feature. However, the Rogue's key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light, and the rear seat comfort was disappointing compared to the front.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience, albeit with a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly, and the vehicle featured wireless charging and multiple USB ports. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding a futuristic touch to its technology suite.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, however, used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, along with Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its usefulness. Despite these shortcomings, the Rogue's infotainment system offered a range of connectivity options and a user-friendly interface.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also offered a robust array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue's ProPilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, performing well during testing. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.