2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a “modernist” and “reductive” design approach, which meant it focused on clean, simple lines rather than the ostentatious appearances often preferred for luxury SUVs. Despite the minimalistic style, it offered choices like the Firenze Red paint color and 23-inch diamond-turned multi-spoke wheels for those desiring a flashier look. The vehicle exuded understated luxury with details like premium LED headlights and flush-mounted door handles.

Our test model displayed a subdued yet elegant Eiger Gray paint with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, which looked terrific even without the optional black-painted roof. Inside, it featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, highlighted with aluminum and shiny black trim, providing an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. The cabin was adorned with Windsor leather upholstery, contributing to a luxurious experience with its intoxicating fragrance and smooth, supple texture.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue played it safe with its design, opting for proper proportions and a rugged sense of purpose through chiseled styling. This approach aimed to appeal to a broader audience who found it visually attractive but not overly flashy.

The Rogue offered S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, excluding a $1,295 destination charge. Our Platinum test model arrived with a Premium package that included all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and a host of interior and exterior upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $43,100. The Rogue's styling was complemented by diamond-pattern leather seats in the upscale Platinum trim and refined surface materials that met the segment’s quality standards.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine available in two tunings: 355 hp and 369 lb-ft in the SE P360, and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. In addition, a PHEV drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, producing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. Early versions also featured a robust 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, although it was temporarily discontinued.

During tests, the 395-hp inline-six delivered strong performance, with a credible 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Despite its sizable frame, the Range Rover Sport managed an average fuel economy of 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route and 25.1 mpg on the highway. Off-road, it felt almost invincible, with a 35.4-inch wading depth and high-tech features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and significant ground clearance.

On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It delivered 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While this setup offered better urban and suburban performance, it lacked highway passing power and exhibited minor vibrations and noise.

Fuel economy for the Rogue was slightly disappointing, with an average of 28.9 mpg in combined driving despite EPA expectations of 31 mpg. Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhanced the ride quality, although the vehicle experienced more lateral and vertical motion on uneven surfaces. The Rogue remained composed over sharp bumps and performed adequately in routine driving situations.

Inside, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the Command Driving Position, giving drivers an elevated and airy feel. The front seats, upholstered in Windsor leather, were highly adjustable with heating, ventilation, and optional massage functions. Rear passengers, however, found less comfort, facing limited legroom and reclining seats, though aided by manual sunshades and heated seats.

Cargo space provided practicality, featuring a 31.9 cubic-foot area expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate and remote controls simplified access, while convenient storage compartments added functionality.

Conversely, the 2023 Nissan Rogue clearly catered to the practical needs of a family vehicle. Offering a spacious cabin, it comfortably seated four adults, though the rear seats could be uncomfortable for longer trips. The front Zero Gravity seats ensured comfort with features like triple-zone climate control and heated steering wheels in the Platinum trim.

The Rogue excelled in cargo capacity, boasting up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet using remote seat release levers. The Divide-N-Hide cargo system added versatility, making the Rogue a more practical choice for those needing ample storage space and user-friendly interior features.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with dual high-resolution displays—a 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a sophisticated Meridian audio system. However, the Pivi Pro platform faced criticism for its complexity and inconsistent performance, notably failing to respond correctly to voice commands during evaluations.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a more user-friendly but somewhat outdated infotainment system. Our test vehicle came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto, among other connectivity options. Unfortunately, the Alexa Built-in system performed poorly in tests, providing incorrect or irrelevant responses to voice commands. Nevertheless, the Rogue’s digital instrumentation and head-up display functioned well under varied conditions.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered a surround-view camera and specialty off-road tools like Wade Sensing. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were criticized for slow responsiveness and inefficiency on curves, respectively.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was packed with safety features, including 10 airbags and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, which performed well in real-world conditions. The Rogue earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had mixed results in the IIHS small overlap and side-impact tests.