2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

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 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 loaded with upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a variety of premium options, pushing its MSRP to $43,100.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. Our test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The Navigator's interior was all black with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, and it included a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The MSRP for our test vehicle was $104,715, including a $1,695 destination charge.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue had 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 lacked passing power on the highway and had some engine noise and vibration issues. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator offered five driving modes: Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension included Road Preview for a smoother ride. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. In Excite mode, the SUV handled better but at the cost of fuel efficiency, averaging 15.6 mpg on our test loop.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering comfortable seating for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. Our Platinum test vehicle featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was frustrating. The Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for additional cargo space. Our test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, which was spacious enough for taller adults. The Navigator offered generous storage space throughout the cabin and substantial cargo capacity, especially in the extended-length Navigator L model, which provided up to 120.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, and the wireless smartphone charging pad overheated the phone.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Navigator also offered Phone As A Key technology, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital 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 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving assist. BlueCruise worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.