2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender outsold the Land Rover Discovery by more than four to one. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, attracted more customers. The Defender's design was consistent, with square-jawed features, a rectangular hood, and steeply angled fittings, giving it a classic truck look. Tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, offering a range of choices unmatched by other SUVs.

Inside, the Defender focused on function and durability, with most surfaces coated in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents. The steering wheel was reminiscent of an old Toyota, and the overall feel was more utilitarian than luxurious. However, the build quality was excellent. The Defender's price, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, was steep, but its popularity suggested that many buyers appreciated its unique character and off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a design that balanced ruggedness with modern appeal. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Rogue's prices ranged from $27,360 to $37,140, with additional packages available. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with AWD and various upgrades, had an MSRP of $43,100, overlapping with the entry-level Infiniti QX50. The Platinum trim offered upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, meeting the quality standards of the compact SUV segment.

The Rogue's new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, introduced in 2022, replaced the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. While the new powertrain improved urban and suburban driving, it lacked highway passing power and had some refinement issues. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, and the permanent 4WD was a boon. However, on-road performance was less stellar, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy varied, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 17/20/18 mpg, the six-cylinder at 18/23/20 mpg, and the V8 at 14/19/16 mpg.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's new VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. The new powertrain improved urban and suburban driving but lacked highway passing power. The engine's character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The Rogue's ride quality and handling were generally good, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing cornering and ride comfort. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires provided modest grip.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the two-door 90 seating up to six and the four-door 110 and 130 offering optional third rows. The 130 could seat up to eight, with rear passengers enjoying a separate moonroof, air vents, and USB ports. Cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded, the 90 offering 58 cubic feet, and the 110 offering up to 79 cubic feet. The Defender also offered various off-road accessories, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and winch.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, comfortably seating four adults and accommodating a fifth when needed. The Platinum trim featured premium leather seats, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. The front seats, designed with Nissan's Zero Gravity technology, were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked leg support. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. Cargo space was generous, with up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were quick and easy to operate. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, and an upgraded Terrain Response 2 system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. New for 2023 was Alexa Built-in, though its performance was inconsistent. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Safety Shield 360. 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.