2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Nissan Rogue had a design that deliberately avoided risks, ensuring mass appeal through well-proportioned, chiseled styling. It managed to strike a balance of rugged SUV aesthetics that felt neither overly aggressive nor bland. This SUV was a favorite for many due to its visually appealing nature—crucial in the car-buying decision. The Rogue's trim lineup included the S, SV, SL, and Platinum editions, with the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury. The Platinum trim featured soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and generous use of premium materials. Its high-quality controls and materials met, if not exceeded, the standards for its segment. Customers were willing to pay a premium for a fully loaded Rogue, even pushing its MSRP to $43,100, which encroached on luxury territory.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more robust and substantial appearance. With its upright grille and boxier styling, the new Pilot looked and felt larger. The all-terrain-capable TrailSport model benefited from these exterior changes, offering functional upgrades like a higher ride height and robust off-road parts. The interior design was more conventional, emphasizing functionality and versatility ahead of minimalist aesthetic appeal. While the interior might not catch your eye as readily as some rivals, it was highly practical. The new Pilot’s form was designed with utility in mind without compromising attraction. Materials used inside were of high quality, matching rising expectations in the segment.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder version. This new engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque and was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The drivetrain provided responsive performance in city driving, though it struggled slightly on highways where passing power was at a premium. The Rogue offered various driving modes such as Eco, Auto, and Sport, and additional modes like Off-Road and Snow for AWD variants. Fuel economy rated at 31 mpg combined, though our test model fell short at 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's suspension system offered a reasonable ride quality and cornering stability, though it experienced some body motion on undulating roads. The steering was effective but felt lifeless.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Pilot came with an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which provided quick acceleration and an overall smooth driving experience. The Pilot balanced comfort with moderate off-road capability, especially in the TrailSport trim with its increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road prowess, the Pilot maintained impressive on-road composure, making it a solid dual-purpose vehicle. The steering was light for easy maneuvering but felt vague at higher speeds, making it less engaging for spirited driving.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed to replace the traditional family car, excelling in practicality and ease of use. The Platinum trim model boasted numerous luxury features, such as a triple-zone automatic climate control system and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, thanks to Nissan’s Zero Gravity seat designs, though ventilated seats were not offered. Visibility from the driver’s seat was excellent, and despite a few quirky design flaws like the hard-to-use key fob, the Rogue’s overall layout was straightforward and logical. The rear seats, though spacious, were less comfortable due to low cushion height and peculiar diamond-shaped stitching. The cargo capacity stood at 36.5 cubic feet, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down, making it versatile for various cargo needs.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Pilot offered an abundance of space and flexibility. The Pilot's entry-level LX and Sport trims came with a user-friendly 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 9-inch display and additional conveniences like wireless phone charging. The EX-L trim and above added more tech features and storage options, such as a wide center console bin and handy dash shelves. The real star was the Pilot's second-row removable center seat, which provided a useful pass-through to the third row. Even with its third row up, the Pilot had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With the seats folded, it expanded to 60.1 cubic feet, and at its maximum, a capacious 114.3 cubic feet—significantly outpacing the Rogue.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system that relied on an 8 or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Notable tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a decent Bose premium audio system. The Rogue Platinum version also came with Alexa Built-in, though its functionality was notably limited in tests. The digital instrumentation display and head-up display worked well, enhancing the driving experience despite some initial voice recognition issues. The overall infotainment system was adequate but lacked the cutting-edge feel of competitors’ systems.

The 2023 Honda Pilot recommended at least the EX-L trim to access a broader range of tech features, including a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports for rear passengers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though its graphics were not particularly modern. Higher trims added advanced features like CabinTalk, which acted as an interior PA system, and TrailWatch camera systems for off-road navigation. The Touring and Elite trims further boasted a navigation system, premium Bose audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring comprehensive technological support for a modern family.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came loaded with a comprehensive suite of safety features such as 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This system included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims offered additional features like ProPilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned an overall five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but had mixed results in some specific tests. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though newer crash test criteria resulted in lower marks for certain impact tests.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's safety suite known as Honda Sensing included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard. Higher trims received additional features like low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. For those opting for off-road adventures, the TrailSport and Elite trims included surround-view camera systems. Expected to receive high safety scores, the Pilot was designed with both on-road safety and off-road awareness, making it a reliable choice for families.