2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue showcased a practical yet attractive design approach, appealing to a wide audience. Nissan maintained proper proportions and chiseled styling, balancing rugged SUV elements without going overboard. This cautious but effective styling strategy made the Rogue an inviting vehicle, crucial since aesthetics can be a deal-breaker for potential buyers. The Rogue was available in multiple trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, with an additional $1,295 destination charge. Optional packages, including the new Midnight Edition, further enhanced its visual and practical appeal.

The top-tier Platinum trim, like the model we tested, was loaded with upscale features such as soft diamond-pattern leather seats and two-tone paint. Various additional enhancements brought the total MSRP to a substantial $43,100, putting it in competition with entry-level luxury crossovers like the Infiniti QX50. The interior was particularly luxurious, with soft-touch materials and high-quality controls, ensuring the Rogue felt premium, particularly in the Platinum trim.

In comparison, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class modifications were subtle yet effective. The headlights and taillights were sharper, black fender flares accented the wheel arches, and the grille incorporated chic chrome inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sportier edge with a unique grille design. While 19-inch wheels were standard, buyers could opt for 21-inch versions. The GLE Coupe variant, although only available in the high-performance AMG guise, offered an even sexier profile but at the cost of reduced interior space.

Inside, the GLE boasted a characteristically luxurious Mercedes interior. Though not as futuristic as the brand's newer EQ models, the cabin remained plush with leather surfaces and soft-touch materials. Our test vehicle's open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating created a retro vibe, fixable with different leather choices. Overall, the GLE's luxurious and sophisticated ambiance held its ground well against modern competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue originally debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but it switched to a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine by 2022. This new VC-Turbo engine, emphasizing variable compression ratios and turbocharging, promised both performance and fuel efficiency. It delivered 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque between 2,800 and 4,000 rpm. Although the continuously variable transmission (CVT) facilitated smooth urban and suburban driving, it struggled with highway passing power. The Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes enhanced versatility, and AWD models added Off-Road and Snow modes.

Despite the innovative powertrain, the Rogue's fuel economy fell short, averaging 28.9 mpg against an EPA estimate of 31 mpg in combined driving during evaluation. The SUV featured a strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control ensuring reasonable handling and ride quality. Although comfortable and stable over speed bumps, the Rogue exhibited some undesirable body motion on undulating roads. The steering felt lifeless, but overall, the Rogue delivered a balanced and secure driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered diverse engine options, from the 255-horsepower GLE 350 to the 4.0-liter V8 GLE 580. Our test vehicle, the GLE 450e plug-in hybrid, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, yielding a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Although slightly slower to 60 mph due to the extra battery weight, the plug-in hybrid model offered a commendable 48-mile all-electric range, potentially extending to 55 miles as per the charging gauge.

The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and almost imperceptible transitions between electric and gas power. However, the GLE 450e's Sport mode failed to enhance driving dynamics significantly, demonstrating light steering and substantial body roll. While comfortable for commutes, it lacked the sporting edge seen in rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e. The GLE 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger, allowing for full charges in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger. Its ability to accept a 60-kW DC fast charge was a boon for long-distance travelers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a practical choice for families, surpassing midsize cars in several aspects. It offered higher ground clearance, better visibility, and easier ingress and egress due to its elevated seating position. With AWD and increased ground clearance, the Rogue instilled driver confidence in challenging conditions like snow. Its spacious and practical cargo area made it a viable alternative to traditional family sedans like the Nissan Altima.

The Rogue comfortably accommodated four adults, with a fifth able to squeeze in the rear middle seat if necessary. Our Platinum trim test vehicle featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats with Zero Gravity seat designs. Despite these luxuries, the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback. Rear seat comfort was compromised by low-mounted bottom cushions and diamond-shaped pleats, contrasting with the impressive front seats.

Its cargo space stood at 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with them folded down. The hands-free power liftgate and innovative Divide-N-Hide feature increased the Rogue’s functionality, making it a flexible option for various loading needs.

Comparatively, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in interior luxury and functionality. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded to include ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the opulent experience. Despite the luxurious offerings, the non-extending sun visors were a notable oversight.

The GLE 450e provided 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than non-PHEV models. With the second row folded, this space expanded to 74.9 cubic feet. Additionally, it boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and included the innovative Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology to ease trailer handling.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an older infotainment system featuring an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle, with the 9-inch screen, included Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system also had a navigation feature, a wireless charging pad, and an adequate Bose premium audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in functionality proved unreliable, faltering with basic directional commands and consumer needs.

Augmenting the infotainment system were a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display (HUD), providing clear and helpful information. However, poor weather conditions during testing prevented a thorough evaluation of HUD visibility.

Conversely, the GLE-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, albeit with a smaller 12.3-inch screen compared to other Mercedes models. The system’s menu was intuitive, and users could employ a touchpad on the center console or touchpads on the steering wheel. "Hey, Mercedes" voice commands enhanced hands-free functionality.

The augmented reality navigation, a standout feature, overlayed addresses and turn arrows on a live video feed, significantly improving directional clarity. Mercedes also added an off-road information page displaying vital statistics like altitude, heading, and tire pressure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though performance issues with Apple devices were noted.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2023 Nissan Rogue, equipped with 10 airbags and features like Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered advanced systems like ProPilot Assist with Navi-link for enhanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, albeit with Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. It also received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but with four stars for front passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class didn’t disappoint either. Blind-spot monitoring was standard, with optional advanced systems like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist available through the Driver Assistance Package Plus.

Despite lacking a comprehensive NHTSA overall rating, the GLE earned a five-star rating for side crashes and four stars for rollovers. The IIHS awarded it top scores in multiple safety categories, with an "Acceptable" rating for headlights equipped with the Digital Light package.