2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics and practical proportions. It featured chiseled styling and SUV detailing that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. 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, which we tested, came loaded with upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a variety of premium options, pushing its MSRP to $43,100.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more adventurous look, especially with the new Z71 trim designed for moderate off-roading. The Traverse lineup included LS, LT, Z71, and RS trims, with prices starting at $38,995 and going up to $55,595 for the RS model. Our Z71 test vehicle, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior was accented with "Torch Red" highlights, and the standard cloth seats provided comfort and breathability.

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 lb-ft 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. The Rogue's driving modes included Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue lacked passing power on the highway and had some engine noise and vibration issues. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse provided strong acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust note. The steering was adequate for most driving situations, and the ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. The EPA estimated fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the FWD Limited to 17/25/20 for the AWD Limited.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical and comfortable interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It accommodated four people comfortably, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and uncomfortable diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Storage space was plentiful but unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for eight in the base LS model, with second-row captain's chairs available in the LT and standard in the Z71 and RS trims. The third-row seats were suitable for average-size adults, and the Smart Slide second-row seats made access easy. The Traverse offered a power-folding third row and an Autosense power liftgate, providing up to 96 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Storage nooks and cubbies were abundant, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Outward visibility was generally good, except for the third row.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The test vehicle had a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, and a head-up display. However, the Alexa Built-in system was unreliable, and the voice recognition technology struggled with basic commands.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, and an 11-inch digital instrument display. The system ran on Google-based software, offering intuitive voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad was effective, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated. The Traverse also featured Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 750,000 miles of roads by 2025.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which 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 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it came standard with a wide range of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera.