2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Hyundai Tucson

The 2023 Nissan Rogue had a design strategy that emphasized conservative appeal, keeping with the tradition of maintaining style consistency for popular car models. It showcased balanced proportions with chiseled styling and a rugged SUV persona—an aspect helping it to avoid the pitfalls of being perceived as unattractive. The model offered a range of trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with prices spanning from $27,360 to $37,140, excluding a $1,295 destination charge. Special upgrades, like the SV Midnight Edition package and optional Premium packages, were available. The Platinum trim, which was the focus of our test, featured upscale additions including AWD, two-tone paint, a frameless rearview mirror, accent lighting, exterior ground lighting, and diamond-pattern leather seats. Pricing with these add-ons reached $43,100, overlapping with entry-level luxury crossovers like the Infiniti QX50. The interior highlighted soft-touch materials and high-quality controls, contributing significantly to its premium feel. In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson maintained the design foundation laid down since its 2022 redesign. Its angular, contemporary styling helped it stand out, with a particularly unique integration of the headlights into the grille. Even when finished in white—a typically unimpressive color for photography—the Tucson maintained a sharp and athletic look. Hyundai avoided the one-size-fits-all design strategy of many automakers, offering unique styling across its range. The Tucson's trims included SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited, each bringing distinctive features like 17-inch alloy wheels on the SE, 19-inch upgrades on the SEL, and dark chrome accents on the Limited. The interior continued the vehicle's modern and refined approach, with ample technological integrations presented in an approachable manner. Despite the absence of a volume dial, the overall cabin layout felt intuitive and user-friendly, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue initially came with a 2.5-liter engine, replaced by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine for 2022 and beyond. This powertrain produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque between 2,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mated with a CVT, the engine promised a combination of performance and fuel economy. While the Rogue felt responsive in city driving, its highway passing power was underwhelming, and the CVT's simulated gear changes were sometimes overly dramatic. Noise and vibrations from the three-cylinder engine could deter some drivers. Fuel economy expectations set by the EPA were 31 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. Handling was aided by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, providing a balance of ride quality and body control. Despite some drawbacks such as lifeless steering and a bit more body motion on undulating roads, the Rogue managed to offer a secure and consistent driving experience. In comparison, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain was the sole non-hybrid offering and was adequate for city driving but strained at higher speeds and during passing maneuvers, generating considerable engine noise. Options for more powerful hybrid variants were available, but non-hybrid models only had a conventional shifter on Limited trims, with other trims using a button-style shifter. However, the Tucson excelled in handling and ride quality, offering a comfortable ride and precise steering. It wasn’t as sporty as rivals like the Mazda CX-5, but the Tucson struck a good balance between comfort and agility, making it reliable for both daily commutes and longer trips.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical replacement for traditional family sedans, managing to comfortably fit four adults, with space for a fifth in the rear seat. The Platinum trim featured premium touches like semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Zero Gravity front seats offered substantial comfort, although lacking ventilated options. Visibility was good, and storage was plentiful, though rear seats were less comfortable due to low mountings and minimal leg support. Cargo space was a strong point, with 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded, supported by the Divide-N-Hide system for flexible storage configurations. Meanwhile, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 38.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in use and 74.8 cubic feet when folded—one of the segment's best figures. Most trims included a hands-free power liftgate, easily operated without awkward foot gestures, which was practical for users with full hands. The Tucson provided ample adult-friendly seating in both rows, with front seats offering slightly more space. Storage solutions were thoughtfully designed, with deep cup holders and a central tray with a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system felt dated, with an 8-inch standard or a 9-inch optional touchscreen. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system, but voice recognition was subpar, struggling with basic commands. Additional tech highlights were the 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display, although the HUD’s usability could not be tested under polarized conditions. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, by contrast, featured a more modern and intuitive infotainment system. The base 8-inch screen included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, albeit with the drawback of losing wireless connectivity. Some controls were glove-friendly, offsetting the minor annoyance of touch buttons. Hyundai's remote start system was particularly user-friendly, allowing drivers to engage the car without additional steps once inside.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360 with various collision avoidance systems, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. ProPilot impressed with its adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, operating seamlessly once activated. The Rogue earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had lower scores in specific frontal-impact tests. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, although with some performance issues in updated tests. Similarly, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson came with an array of driver assistance features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim added useful features like a 360-degree camera and Smart Park. The Tucson was rated highly by the IIHS with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and strong crash-prevention technology scores.