2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. Its design was characterized by proper proportions and chiseled styling, which gave it a rugged yet appealing look. This was crucial, as aesthetics play a significant role in consumer decisions. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering a luxurious feel through features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. Despite its upscale offerings, the Rogue's price in the Platinum trim reached a level comparable to entry-level luxury vehicles, such as the Infiniti QX50.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. Our test model, equipped with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. The TX lineup included various models, with the TX 350 being the most popular. It offered a turbocharged engine and a choice between FWD and AWD. The interior, though dark, was luxurious, with premium materials and features like a panoramic sunroof. The TX's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's drivetrain included Eco, Auto, and Sport modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its innovative engine, the Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The Rogue's suspension provided a balanced ride, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The TX's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX's performance was adequate for a luxury SUV, with AWD available for improved traction.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical alternative to a midsize car, offering ease of entry, better visibility, and a spacious cargo area. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support and comfort. Storage space was abundant, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the Rogue's key fob design was frustrating, with low-contrast buttons that were difficult to use in low light.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were less comfortable due to a flat cushion, but the third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. It also included a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, leading to frustration. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, though the latter was not tested with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially when wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TX also offered a digital assistant with natural voice recognition and various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and remote access. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, working well on highways. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist was also available, though it was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist. The latter provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. Overall, the TX's safety systems were smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.