2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a conservative design approach, featuring proper proportions, chiseled styling, and SUV detailing that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was an appealing vehicle, crucial for attracting buyers who prioritize aesthetics. 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, equipped with numerous upscale features, reached an MSRP of $43,100, overlapping with entry-level luxury models like the Infiniti QX50. The Platinum trim offered diamond-pattern leather seats and high-quality materials, enhancing the overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, had a minimalist interior design with a focus on quality. It offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 also included practical features like a conventional lid for the center console and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

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. The engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Rogue provided Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Despite the engine's unusual note and some vibration, the Rogue felt responsive in urban and suburban driving. However, it lacked passing power on the highway and fell short of its EPA-estimated 31 mpg in combined driving, averaging 28.9 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models with RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting for increased energy recovery. However, it did not offer one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical replacement for a traditional family car, offering ample space for four people and the ability to carry a fifth person when needed. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, though the rear seats were less comfortable due to low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue offered 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, along with Nissan's Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. The interior featured practical updates, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats added to the ID.4's practicality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. The test vehicle had a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. It also included a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, making it difficult to use for navigation and other tasks. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, however, were less user-friendly, lacking physical feedback and potentially causing distractions. The voice recognition system, on the other hand, was effective in handling most commands, reducing the need to use the touchpads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This package 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 2022 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 also boasted a strong safety profile, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. The ID.4 also added Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system for 2023.