2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also reflected its actual increase in size, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured off-road enhancements like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional style, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials that met elevated class standards. Overall, the 2023 Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. A new, larger grille harmonized with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights, while the rear fascia saw minor changes. The Rogue SV featured a new 18-inch wheel design, and the Platinum trim boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish look and more black exterior trim. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the Rogue's premium feel. The Rogue Platinum offered leather seats with quilted stitching, contributing to an upscale cabin experience. Despite these updates, the Rogue's interior design and materials were well-suited for its segment.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It handled corners confidently, though it wasn't designed for sporty driving, prioritizing comfort over performance. The TrailSport model added an inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This VC-Turbo engine could vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. Despite its impressive engine, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than the segment norm, affecting ride quality without improving handling. While the engine's performance was commendable, the exhaust note was less appealing. The Rogue offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen was adequate but seemed small for the available space. The Pilot offered logical placement of climate and drive mode controls, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wireless charging pad. Clever storage solutions included a stowable second-row center seat and ample space in the second row for adults. The third row was less inviting, but cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 114.3 cubic feet.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered nearly identical passenger space to its rivals, with differences in legroom. The Rogue's cargo space was less than the CR-V or Tucson but more than the Forester, with a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for a flat cargo floor with hidden storage or a lower floor for increased cargo height. The Rogue featured a power liftgate and a motion-activated liftgate on higher trims. The center console provided a pass-through space, though accessing the storage tray at floor level was awkward.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a navigation system were available on higher trims, along with a Bose premium audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum trims featured a 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, Assistant, and Play store. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Connect Services to three years, offering remote features via a smartphone app.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with automated lane centering. The SL and Platinum trims featured a more advanced version that used navigation data to slow for curves and interchanges.