2023 Honda HR-V vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a notable transformation, shedding its quirky edges for a more sophisticated and modern aesthetic. Notably, the redesign included a sleeker profile with a lowered beltline and smoother detailing, making the overall appearance more streamlined. The 2023 model, especially in the new Nordic Forest Pearl color, exuded an understated elegance. Honda also revamped the HR-V's wheels across various trims, enhancing its outward appeal with options like the 18-inch black alloy wheels on the Sport trim. In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained its existing design ethos, focusing on a rugged, yet refined appearance. It continued to project a handsome and proportional look, crucial for maintaining its appeal in a competitive SUV market. In its Platinum trim, the Rogue presented a more luxurious facet, with premium touches such as two-tone paint adding to its visual appeal.

The HR-V for 2023 was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower. This engine, coupled with an updated CVT that mimics traditional shifting patterns, aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience. The inclusion of various drive modes like Sport and Snow adapted the vehicle's performance to different driving conditions. Nissan, on the other hand, equipped the 2023 Rogue with a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower. This engine, using variable compression technology, was designed to optimize performance and fuel efficiency seamlessly. Despite its power, the engine's unique three-cylinder configuration could introduce vibrations and a distinct sound that might not appeal to all drivers.

Interior space in the 2023 HR-V felt well-executed for its class. Despite a slight reduction in cargo space from the previous model year, it offered 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and featured thoughtful details like a re-engineered hinge on the 60/40 split rear seats to enhance usability. The Nissan Rogue boasted significant practicality advantages with a more spacious interior, offering up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. Its rear doors opened wide, aiding in easier access, although the comfort of the rear seat cushions was notably less impressive compared to the front seating.

Honda delivered a solid technological update inside the HR-V with a new infotainment setup that included a 9-inch touchscreen in the EX-L trim and standard smartphone integration across the lineup. The addition of modern amenities like a wireless charging pad in the EX-L trim also helped uplift its tech profile. Conversely, the Rogue utilized an older infotainment system in need of an update to keep pace with contemporaries. Despite this, it still offered features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a Bose premium audio system. However, some functionalities, such as Alexa Built-in, encountered recognition issues during practical use.

Safety in the 2023 Honda HR-V saw significant enhancements with the standardization of the Honda Sensing suite across all trims, which included comprehensive ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and a collision-mitigation braking system. The Rogue also presented a robust safety package with its Safety Shield 360, covering a wide array of ADAS functionalities. Additionally, higher trims offered ProPilot Assist, providing advanced driving aids meant to ease long-distance travel and dense traffic navigation.