2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic design for its popular models. It featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged purpose. This design approach was crucial, as aesthetics played a significant role in consumer decisions. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering a luxurious feel, thanks to its diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, elevating it to entry-luxury territory.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5, though last redesigned in 2019, retained a timeless appeal. However, the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, as it gave the X5 a station wagon-like appearance. Our test vehicle, the xDrive50e M Sport, came with optional 21-inch wheels and a full suite of equipment packages, pushing its MSRP to $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with BMW's other models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while maintaining the brand's traditional quality in materials and construction.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive drive in urban settings but lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's drivetrain included Eco, Auto, and Sport modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its innovative engine design, the Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg against an EPA estimate of 31 mpg. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV boasted a new mild-hybrid system, delivering 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, nearly matching the performance of the more expensive X5 M60i. The PHEV offered 38 miles of electric-only range and achieved 33.7 mpg in hybrid mode. Equipped with an adaptive damping air suspension, the X5 handled well, even on challenging roads like Mulholland Highway. The SUV's performance was complemented by its ability to recharge the battery during drives, enhancing its efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue provided 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and included Nissan's Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile storage.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e excelled as a midsize luxury SUV, offering seating for five and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather, which mimicked genuine leather, and the Climate Comfort Package added luxurious touches like heated and ventilated front seats. The absence of a third-row seat was notable, but the X5's spacious interior and panoramic sunroof made it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, though functional, was outdated compared to newer models. It featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a navigation app and a Bose audio system, but the Alexa Built-in voice recognition struggled with basic commands. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, which performed well despite challenging weather conditions during testing.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. Running on BMW Operating System 8.5, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, was less reliable, often misinterpreting commands. Despite this, the head-up display effectively conveyed information, and the Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. The reduction of physical controls in favor of digital interfaces was a mixed success, given the voice recognition issues.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags and Safety Shield 360, which offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included 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, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in light traffic but could be unpredictable in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though occasional errant braking was noted. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.