2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Lexus RX showcased a balanced blend of modern sophistication and evolutionary design changes. Though it maintained the same overall length as its predecessor, the RX had a shorter height, broader width, and a longer wheelbase. The new RX offered increased cargo space compared to the 2022 model, albeit still falling short when compared to rivals. The redesigned rear section with reduced overhang and softer design lines, paired with the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar, gave it a floating roof effect. However, this design also resulted in a somewhat stubby appearance. In the front, the familiar spindle-style grille was better integrated into the vehicle's overall design, featuring a modern mesh texture that seamlessly flowed into a dramatically elevated hood. The upswept body sides recalled the Lexus IS sedan, contouring the flared rear fenders. The rear end boasted a new light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty bumper with simulated air vents. Identifying the SUV as a Lexus RX was straightforward, given its exterior styling that maintained brand familiarity while offering a fresh and comparatively conservative look when parked alongside its sharply angled predecessor. It also differentiated itself from the smaller Lexus NX, ensuring potential buyers saw value in opting for the midsize RX. Opening the new RX's digitally latched doors revealed a thoroughly modern interior, equipped with fewer buttons and knobs than its predecessor. A digital instrumentation cluster and an optional 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display were central to the cabin. An intelligent assistant and natural voice-recognition technology were integral to the RX's futuristic appeal, albeit the service becoming a subscription-based feature after three years. Quality, as expected from Lexus, was a notch above, evident in both the standard NuLuxe artificial leather and available genuine leather options. Certain RX versions also featured simulated suede, and the dashboard trims included textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. Available as RX 350, RX 350h (hybrid), and RX 500h (performance hybrid), the RX also awaited the RX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid). Conversely, the 2023 Nissan Rogue showcased an exterior design with safe, handsome chiseled styling and properly proportioned SUV detailing, hinting at a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue was an appealing vehicle, essential for attracting buyers who prioritize looks. It was offered in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Optional Premium packages were available for SV, SL, and Platinum trims, while the Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim. Our Platinum test vehicle, loaded with numerous premium features such as diamond-pattern leather seats, soft-touch materials, and quality controls, had its MSRP elevated to $43,100. These features aligned the Rogue’s cost close to entry-level luxury vehicles, underscoring its upscale ambitions.

During a Lexus media event, we evaluated two versions of the RX 350: one with AWD, Luxury trim, and 21-inch wheels, and another with F Sport Handling trim. Both featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the turbocharged engine lacked the smoothness of the previous 3.5-liter V6, it offered superior torque and better altitude performance while slightly improving fuel economy. When driven over a combination of city and highway roads and winding country roads, the RX 350 Luxury displayed torque steer under hard acceleration and excessive body motion on uneven surfaces. It generally provided a smooth, comfortable ride, though noticeable vertical and lateral motions were present over undulating terrain. In contrast, the RX 350 F Sport Handling model felt more secure and sure-footed, especially in Sport mode—though switching driving modes via Lexus Interface proved cumbersome. Both models featured 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport Handling’s adaptive suspension significantly mitigated unwanted bouncing and rolling. The turbocharged engine, despite its less refined note, performed well, allowing the RX 350 FWD to accelerate to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and the AWD variant in 7.2 seconds—figures that felt quicker in real-world driving. Fuel economy for the RX 350 FWD was expected to average 25 mpg in combined driving, while the AWD model should return 24 mpg. Actual results were slightly lower, at 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg, respectively. For the 2023 Nissan Rogue, the familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was replaced with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a CVT, the engine provided responsive urban and suburban driving but lacked passing power on the highway. Though the CVT was typically smooth, its dramatic simulated gear changes could be jarring. The engine had a unique note that intruded into the cabin and caused some vibration through the accelerator pedal, potentially displeasing some drivers. Fuel economy expectations were set at 31 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle only managed 28.9 mpg. The Rogue’s strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension design, coupled with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, contributed to a generally secure, composed ride, but the SUV experienced excess body motion on undulating roads.

Both Lexus RX 350 models provided comfort, though the F Sport Handling package’s sport seat bolsters might have been too snug for some. The RX 350 Luxury offered semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and numerous convenience features, whereas the F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats or optional Rioja Red NuLuxe seats. Both models offered a supportive back seat, though taller individuals might find headroom slightly constrained. Lexus claimed an improved cargo area over the previous RX, with the trunk offering 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded—still not generous for the segment. The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a viable replacement for midsize family cars, comfortably accommodating four adults with the option to squeeze a fifth in the back seat. The Platinum trim provided triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and premium features like diamond-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Despite the lack of front seat ventilation, Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat designs offered exceptional comfort —though the rear seat could use better leg support and cushioning. The Rogue's rear doors opened almost to a 90-degree angle for easier access, and a hands-free power liftgate revealed up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. The Divide-N-Hide feature and underfloor storage areas allowed versatile cargo configurations, culminating in up to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced a new Lexus Interface infotainment system featuring a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan, complimentary for three years, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though occasional inaccuracies were noted. The system supported user profiles, streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music, and the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system provided excellent audio quality for fine-tuned users. Though advanced, Lexus Interface’s inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback. Available features included a digital rearview mirror, digital key technology, and a color head-up display, though polarized sunglasses rendered the HUD invisible. In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display, physical knobs, and accessible menu buttons. The higher trims, like our Platinum, included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a navigation system, and new Alexa Built-in functionality, though voice recognition issues persisted. Despite these glitches, the Rogue’s 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and HUD worked well, though limited testing precluded experiencing potential polarization issues.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring advanced driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, including new items like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assist, and curve speed reduction with adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were new semi-autonomous features, though some quibbles persisted, such as adaptive cruise controls being unmarked and curve-speed reduction technology braking reactively. On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment, including Safety Shield 360 with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims incorporated ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance at highway speeds. The Rogue received Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS but faltered in updated small overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests, while NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, despite four-star frontal collision scores for driver and passenger.