2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a bold, rugged design reminiscent of a brick on wheels. Its fourth-generation JL model maintained a no-nonsense aesthetic with its straight lines and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The optional Dual-Door Group provided half doors for those seeking a balance between visibility and safety. The Wrangler's exterior was further enhanced by wide fenders, round headlights, and a tailgate that swung out for easy cargo access. Inside, the Wrangler offered practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-colored dash, and chunky HVAC controls, though it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rogue featured a new, larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor updates, while the Rogue SV and Platinum models received new wheel designs. The interior boasted a more premium feel with a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and upgraded materials across various surfaces. The Rogue Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching, enhancing its upscale appeal. Despite its stylish updates, the Rogue's ride quality was compromised by a firmer suspension, though it remained quiet and comfortable for daily driving.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with its solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including a standard V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Torque enthusiasts could opt for the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a 21-mile all-electric range. However, the 392 model's on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues not present in less powerful trims.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain was a standout feature, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This VC-Turbo engine outperformed many competitors' engines, including those in the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, detracting from the engine's performance. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without improving handling. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue remained a quiet and comfortable vehicle for everyday use.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, though heated seats were only available in the 392 model or with a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. The Wrangler's cargo space was 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Ford Bronco. The Wrangler's various top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, provided flexibility for open-air driving. The vehicle was well-equipped with charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue's 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. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Rogue featured a power liftgate and a motion-activated liftgate on higher trims. The center console offered additional storage, though accessing it could be awkward.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech offerings were practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen on SL and Platinum models. These higher trims also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly into the infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup provided modern graphics and easy navigation, though the system was occasionally slow to boot. The Rogue offered ample charging options, including USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control standard across all models. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on the 392 model or available as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims receiving poor headlight ratings.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received strong safety scores, with top 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, and lane departure warning. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system with automated lane centering. While not the most advanced system available, it was more capable than many competitors' offerings.