2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics, featuring well-proportioned and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was available in 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, included a Premium option package and additional features like all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and diamond-pattern leather seats, pushing the MSRP to $43,100. Despite its high price, the Rogue Platinum offered a luxurious feel with soft-touch materials and quality controls, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, stood out with its aggressive styling and sharp body creases, reminiscent of the sporty Camaro. The 2024 model received a minor refresh, enhancing its sporty theme with thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille. Inside, the Trailblazer featured a modern dashboard with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the materials used were mostly hard plastic, the design was cohesive, and the available fabric inserts added a touch of warmth. The Trailblazer's interior layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, offering a balance of modernity and functionality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue featured Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on the highway and had a unique engine note that some drivers might find unrefined. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The SUV's ride quality was generally smooth, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing cornering and ride comfort.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains: a base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and a more powerful 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower. Our Activ-trim test vehicle featured the latter, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the 1.3-liter engine provided adequate power, it required planning for highway acceleration and passing. The Trailblazer's handling was average, prioritizing comfort over performance. It smoothed over road imperfections well, with muted road and wind noise at highway speeds. Compared to rivals, the Trailblazer's performance was on par with the Volkswagen Taos but less spirited than the Mazda CX-30.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs provided comfort, though the rear seats were less supportive. The SUV boasted 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate and Divide-N-Hide feature added convenience, though some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample front and rear passenger space, with good outward visibility. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated options available on most trims. The rear seats offered generous legroom, accommodating adult passengers and rear-facing infant seats. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable with a hands-free power liftgate. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a wireless charging pad and deep armrest bin.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its functionality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the lack of a widescreen display was a drawback.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted a standard 11-inch infotainment touchscreen across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's response time was slightly delayed, but the interface was intuitive. A native navigation system was absent, relying on smartphone connectivity for directions. The base audio system was adequate, with an optional Bose upgrade available. Overall, the Trailblazer's technology offerings were average for the class, with a focus on ease of use.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with Safety Shield 360, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and 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 some crash tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and "good" scores from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Confidence package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the Trailblazer's safety features performed well, some rivals offered more standard equipment.