2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's cautious approach to design, featuring proper proportions, chiseled styling, and just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. It was an appealing vehicle, crucial for attracting buyers who prioritize aesthetics. 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 host of other premium touches, pushing its MSRP to $43,100.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 embraced a bold, geometric design, a significant departure from its predecessor's softer, rounded corners. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more aggressive front fascia. The otherwise flat hood rose on the left and right sides, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The GX's profile was minimalistic, with a low window beltline for better visibility. Lexus offered the GX in six trims, with the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims highlighting the SUV's best features. The Overtrail trims, in particular, were geared towards off-roading, with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue initially came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine but switched to a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine in 2022. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. While the new powertrain felt responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on the highway and had an unusual engine note and vibration. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined by the EPA, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The SUV's ride quality was generally good, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads and had lifeless steering.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX felt stable both on-road and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and Lexus's Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for better wheel articulation. The GX accelerated well and had effective brakes, though its weight was a consideration during long descents. Despite its off-road capabilities, the GX remained composed on-road, a pleasant surprise.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family car replacement, comfortably seating four adults and accommodating a fifth when necessary. Our Platinum test vehicle featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked ventilated front seats. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The SUV offered 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated than its predecessor, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row, but the third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

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

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB-C ports. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included an intelligent voice assistant and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs after the initial three-year trial were a consideration for long-term owners.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came 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 had some lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While it had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, its modern architecture and advanced safety systems inspired confidence.