2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic SUV aesthetic without taking significant design risks. Its well-proportioned and chiseled styling, combined with subtle SUV detailing, gave it a rugged yet appealing look. This was crucial, as consumers often avoided vehicles they found unattractive. The Rogue's design was both practical and visually pleasing, making it a popular choice among buyers.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a bold evolution in SUV design, drawing from its predecessors while embracing a modern, electric platform. Its styling was aggressive, with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a distinctive presence on the road. Unlike its aerodynamic rivals, the Blazer EV maintained a traditional SUV look, albeit with a longer and wider stance. This design choice set it apart from other electric SUVs, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings. However, it lacked passing power on highways and had a unique engine note that some drivers might find unrefined. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's ride quality and handling were generally well-balanced, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its performance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. The Blazer EV's performance was impressive, with strong acceleration and precise steering, though the RWD model felt traction-limited. The AWD version provided better off-the-line performance. The Blazer EV's ride was firm, prioritizing handling over comfort, and its regenerative braking system added a layer of driver involvement.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four passengers and a fifth in a pinch. Its interior featured premium materials, including diamond-stitched leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though the rear seats were less accommodating. Storage was plentiful, with a cargo area offering up to 74.1 cubic feet of space. However, the Rogue's key fob design was a minor inconvenience, and some storage areas lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior was spacious, though its cargo capacity was less than its gasoline counterpart. It offered 25.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 59.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Blazer EV's interior was stylish, with ample small-item storage and a large center console. However, some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk, but its "presence activated" liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. However, its voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the Alexa Built-in feature was underwhelming. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps and a 17.7-inch touchscreen. While it lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it offered deep functionality for Android users. The system included route planning and over-the-air updates, though some controls were awkwardly placed. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, adding to its high-tech appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some crash tests. ProPilot Assist impressed with its accuracy and ease of use, though its braking could be abrupt.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and optional Super Cruise hands-free driver assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication, but the Blazer EV's safety technology was promising, with features like reverse automatic braking and park assist.