2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the vehicle stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rogue's new, larger grille seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights, while the rear fascia featured redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV grade received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design and additional black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing its premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, contributing to a more upscale appearance. The Platinum trim featured leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown color option, creating a well-appointed cabin for a vehicle in this segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. The SUV was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, available in SE and SE Dynamic trims, with mild-hybrid technology. The SE Dynamic model produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was available for early-build 2023 models but was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route and 25.1 mpg on a highway drive. The Range Rover Sport featured a new vehicle architecture with a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes for improved handling. However, it struggled to match the performance of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with impressive ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles, and advanced off-road technology.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain was a standout feature, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that utilized VC-Turbo technology to vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. The engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming many competitors' engines. However, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, detracting from the engine's performance. The Rogue was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). While not marketed as a driver's car, the Rogue's suspension felt firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without improving handling. The Rogue was quiet, but its droning exhaust note was less impressive.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield angle, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and optional massage features. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's full-size spare tire limited storage space under the cargo floor, but Land Rover provided a contraption to secure smaller items.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences in legroom compared to rivals. The Rogue's maximum cargo space was 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering less space than some competitors but more than others. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the cargo area featured a molded-in space for grocery bags. The Rogue was available with a power liftgate and a motion-activated liftgate. The center console had a pass-through space for added flexibility, though accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in finding and accessing features. The native digital assistant struggled with voice commands, failing to provide accurate directions. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but challenging to access.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower-level S and SV models came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum models received a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to feature Google built-in software, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. Connectivity was free for five years, with a data plan required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. Nissan extended the free trial period for Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond and not as smooth as expected, while the steering assist technology was dissatisfactory, especially on freeway curves.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS 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, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver assistance system, was available, offering automated lane centering for highway driving. The SL and Platinum trims featured a more advanced version that used the navigation system to slow for curves and interchanges.