2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. It featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's design was crucial in attracting buyers who valued aesthetics, as it avoided any radical design changes that might alienate its core audience. The 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 host of premium options, pushing its price to $43,100.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presented a more modern and sleek design, subtly differentiating itself from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. The EV version boasted more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. It featured an LED light bar across the front fascia and rear, enhancing its futuristic appeal. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims. The interior color options expanded as you moved up the trim levels, providing a youthful and exuberant feel. The Equinox EV's design was both sophisticated and playful, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This VC-Turbo engine aimed to deliver a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, though it fell short of its EPA-estimated 31 mpg in combined driving, averaging 28.9 mpg during testing. The Rogue offered various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue's powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on the highway. The ride quality was generally smooth, thanks to features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the steering felt lifeless, and the engine's character might not appeal to all drivers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, on the other hand, offered a more refined driving experience. It featured a hands-free start and one-pedal driving, with drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor FWD variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV's range was impressive, with the FWD model achieving 319 miles and the AWD version 285 miles. It supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes. The Equinox EV's ride was comfortable and stable, making it a strong contender in the EV market.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious and practical interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity seats. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, and the key fob design was frustratingly difficult to use in low light. The Rogue provided ample cargo space, with up to 74.1 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV also prioritized interior comfort and functionality. Starting from the 2LT trim, it included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats, features typically associated with luxury brands. The Equinox EV offered generous headroom and legroom, with 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 57.2 cubic feet. While its total cargo volume was less than some competitors, the Equinox EV's standard roof rails provided additional storage options.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system felt dated compared to newer offerings. It featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, but the voice recognition system struggled with basic commands. Despite these shortcomings, the Rogue offered a decent array of tech features, including a Bose premium audio system and NissanConnect services.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV excelled in technology. It boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its segment, and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The Equinox EV included an eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning. The Equinox EV's tech features were comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

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. However, it received lower scores in updated crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV also prioritized safety, with Chevy Safety Assist as standard. It included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Equinox EV offered additional safety technologies, such as Super Cruise and enhanced automatic parking assist on higher trims. GM's Teen Driver Technology provided parents with peace of mind, making the Equinox EV a safe choice for families.