2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to appealing design without taking significant risks. It featured proper proportions, chiseled styling, and just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's design was crucial in attracting buyers who valued aesthetics in their vehicle choices.

Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with the Premium option package, showcased upscale features such as soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of additional amenities. Despite its high price tag of $43,100, the Rogue Platinum offered a luxurious experience that rivaled entry-level luxury crossovers.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, initially a shock to Mustang purists, proved to be a smart move by Ford. Its long, narrow, and tall dimensions, combined with Mustang styling cues like galloping horse emblems and tri-bar taillights, made it a visually striking electric SUV. The Mach-E's design played a significant role in its popularity, blending the legendary pony car's aesthetics with modern EV functionality.

Our test vehicle, a GT spec with Cyber Orange paint, had an MSRP of $66,590. The GT trim featured distinctive bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille, giving it an aggressive look. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Rogue's new powertrain provided a responsive driving experience in urban and suburban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The CVT's simulated gear changes could feel dramatic, and the engine's unusual note and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg.

The Rogue's suspension system, featuring a strut-type front and multi-link rear design, provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control. Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhanced cornering and ride quality. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires offered modest grip.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with standard-range and extended-range battery packs and single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Power output ranged from 266 to 480 horsepower, with torque figures between 317 and 634 pound-feet. The driving range varied from 224 to 312 miles.

Our test vehicle, the Mach-E GT, featured an extended-range battery and AWD, producing 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, with an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft and reduced the range to 260 miles, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.

The Mach-E GT's driving modes, including Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, modified the EV's behavior and responsiveness. The GT-exclusive Unbridled Extend mode was designed for racetrack use. One-pedal driving was also available. The Mach-E GT's steering lacked sharpness, but the overall driving dynamics were impressive. The brakes provided consistent, fade-free performance, though the ride quality was firm and choppy.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four people, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. Our Platinum test vehicle featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, ventilated front seats were not available.

The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. The rear seat offered ample space but lacked comfort, with a low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped pleats. Storage space was plentiful, though most compartments were unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The Rogue's cargo area provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for six different cargo configurations, and underfloor storage areas added to the practicality.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E combined form and function with its crossover SUV configuration. It offered seating for up to five people and 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk (frunk). The GT trim featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with Miko synthetic suede inserts.

The Mach-E's tiered center console provided a mix of covered and open storage areas, with a lower storage tray beneath the bridge connecting the console to the dashboard. The rear seat was snug but supportive, accommodating up to three kids or two additional adults. The standard panoramic glass roof added an airy feel to the cabin.

The Mach-E's cargo area offered 29.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The frunk provided an additional 4.7 cubic feet of storage and included a drain plug for easy cleaning.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. Our test vehicle had the 9-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system were also included.

The Rogue Platinum came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD). However, the voice recognition technology struggled with basic commands, and the remote keyless entry fob's design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen mounted in portrait orientation, running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a navigation system, and wireless smartphone charging.

Sync 4A offered natural voice recognition and predictive suggestions based on user habits. The touchscreen controlled various functions, including climate control and vehicle settings. The Mach-E also had a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and Phone As A Key technology, allowing the smartphone to function as the vehicle's key.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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 for the 2022 calendar year and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated small overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests, respectively.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added lane-change, predictive speed assist, and lane repositioning functions. Our test revealed that BlueCruise worked well but required constant monitoring.

The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for the 2022 calendar year. The NHTSA awarded the Mach-E five-star ratings for side-impact protection and rollover resistance, but frontal-impact results were unavailable.