2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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's design was critical to its appeal, as consumers tend to avoid vehicles they find unattractive. The 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 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and practicality. Available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, the XC90 featured a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, with wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, especially in Ultimate trim, was fitted with rich materials like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob added a touch of class. The XC90's design leaned towards practicality, safety, and sustainability, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV.

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. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Despite its responsive performance in urban and suburban settings, the Rogue lacked passing power on the highway and had a unique engine note that some drivers might find unrefined. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, providing versatility for various driving conditions. However, the XC90's handling was not as thrilling as its acceleration, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four passengers and the ability to carry a fifth when needed. 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 a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped pleats that felt like sitting on bubble wrap. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Storage space was plentiful but unlined, potentially causing unwanted noise.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, came well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting. The XC90's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 could seat seven people or six with optional captain's chairs. Cargo capacity was up to 65.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an older version 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 Bose premium audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, often providing incorrect or irrelevant results.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 could be equipped with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. While Pilot Assist generally worked well, it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, shaking our confidence in the system.