2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Its design featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling that conveyed a sense of purpose without veering into the overly aggressive. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The lineup offered various trims, including the S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with its diamond-pattern leather seats and upscale interior materials, though it came at a price that rivaled entry-level luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its unmistakable blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were a nod to its heritage, while the various trims, from the basic Base to the top-tier Raptor, offered distinct personalities. The Bronco's interior was rugged and functional, with features like sealed switches and drain plugs for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. While the materials prioritized durability over luxury, the Bronco's design was both practical and charming, appealing to those who valued function alongside form.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, powered the front wheels, with an optional AWD system available. The Rogue offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the new powertrain was an improvement over the previous 2.5-liter engine, it lacked highway passing power and had a unique engine note that some might find unrefined. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. Despite some shortcomings, the Rogue's ride quality and handling were generally well-balanced, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 horsepower. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, with transmission options including a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance, with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and Trail Turn Assist enhancing its capabilities. On-road, the Bronco's ride was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. While its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, the Bronco's overall performance was impressive, especially for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical and spacious interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue provided ample storage space, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity and the versatile Divide-N-Hide feature. Despite its practicality, the Rogue's key fob design was a notable inconvenience, with hard-to-distinguish buttons.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design translated into generous interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version required some maneuvering to access the rear seats, while the four-door allowed for easier entry. The Bronco's interior featured practical storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. Cargo space varied between the two-door and four-door models, with the latter offering up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco's design also allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, catering to off-road enthusiasts who valued customization and adaptability.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, while functional, lagged behind newer offerings. It featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The test vehicle included a 9-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its usefulness. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance both off-road and on-road experiences. Its G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views simplified off-road navigation, while features like Trail Turn Assist improved maneuverability. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for easier use. The combination of off-road tech and standard infotainment features made the Bronco a versatile choice for tech-savvy adventurers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, performing well during testing. 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 specific crash tests.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety ratings were mixed, with the NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and Trail Turn Assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. While the Bronco's safety features functioned well, its test scores and feature availability lagged behind more conventional SUVs.