2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics and practical proportions. It featured chiseled styling and SUV detailing that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's design was critical to its appeal, as consumers tend to avoid vehicles they find unattractive. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came with numerous upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a variety of convenience upgrades, pushing its MSRP to $43,100.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. The front featured Acura's signature grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep body creases that gave it a sporty look. The side profile was marked by a distinctive character line, while the rear was more conventional. Inside, the RDX had a vertical cockpit layout with a center stack dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. The interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar and less intimidating design for those averse to the latest tech-heavy cockpits.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Rogue featured Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue's engine had a unique note and some vibration, which might have been off-putting to some drivers. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivered 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, with Acura's SH-AWD available. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine note. The handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride that smoothed over road imperfections. The RDX's performance was balanced, making it an attractive option for many drivers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical and spacious interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably seated four people, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity front seats. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats that felt like sitting on bubble wrap. The Rogue provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space for front-seat passengers, with additional power adjustments in higher trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's sense of space. The RDX offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured numerous storage options, though the center stack's design took up more space than necessary.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an older version with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The test vehicle had the larger screen, along with Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, making it less reliable. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which required less precision. The RDX came with a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote monitoring via the Acuralink app, and a 16-speaker ELS audio system in the top trim. Despite its sharp graphics and quick responses, the touchpad interface remained one of the least user-friendly in the market.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services with a short complimentary subscription. 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, though it received lower scores in some specific tests.

The 2023 Acura RDX also boasted a robust set of safety features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display. The RDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, making it a highly safe choice.