2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 stood out markedly from its predecessor, the GX 470. The previous model had been characterized by softer, rounded edges. The redesigned GX 550 embraced a more geometric approach, marking a new era for this midsize SUV. The brand’s hallmark “spindle” grille remained but was notably less pronounced. Flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, the grille blended seamlessly with the squared-off upper edge of the GX’s front fascia. This revised front end stood much more vertically than its predecessor, offering a stiffer, more aggressive look.

The otherwise flat hood of the GX rose on the left and right sides, with each hump aligning conveniently above the front wheels, aiding drivers in off-road positional awareness. From the side, the GX appeared almost as if it had been sculpted from a solid metal block, with minimal character lines that maintained a horizontal trajectory. Its window beltline sat low to enhance visibility and awareness, a beneficial feature for off-roading.

Lexus offered the 2024 GX in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. Among these, the Premium+ was anticipated to be the best-seller, while the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims showcased the SUV’s pinnacle features. The Luxury trims aimed at comfort and style, with 22-inch wheels, illuminated doorsills, and ambient interior lighting. Conversely, the Overtrail duo catered to off-roading enthusiasts, with 18-inch wheels on 33-inch all-terrain tires and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

Inside, all GX models blended luxurious touches with utilitarian materials. Robust polyurethane-derived touchpoints and a flat, upright dashboard, not tilted toward the driver, were prominent. A 14-inch touchscreen display took center stage, with plenty of physical controls below for off-road operations, and rotary knobs for climate control and stereo volume. Though less luxurious than a Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class, this third-generation Lexus GX had a premium feel, built for durability and hard use.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue also experienced a notable styling update, albeit its first since the 2021 model year. The new, larger grille merged well with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, maintaining the Rogue’s distinctive look. The rear fascia was updated with redesigned inner taillight elements, satin-finish exterior badging, and new wheel designs for different trims. For instance, the SV model sported 18-inch wheels, while the Platinum model had 19-inch wheels with a machined finish.

Inside, Nissan made changes to the dashboard to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The redesigned dash lent the Rogue a more premium feel, with upgraded materials on nearly every surface in the SV models and higher. The Platinum model featured leather seats with new Chestnut brown color options and quilted stitching, adding elegance. Overall, the interior design of the Rogue Platinum felt worthy of its top-tier status, offering a nicely appointed cabin in its segment.

In terms of performance, significant changes hit the 2024 Lexus GX. Gone was the naturally aspirated V8 engine, replaced by a more advanced 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Despite losing two cylinders, the new engine generated an impressive 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, significantly enhancing its capability. This power was readily available low in the rev range, providing responsive acceleration when navigating off-road obstacles.

The 2024 GX utilized the GA-F truck platform, common to several Toyota and Lexus models, including the Toyota Land Cruiser and the new Toyota Tacoma. This stiffer chassis improved its stability, enhancing cornering on-road and rugged terrain performance off-road. The GX was equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that performed confidently, offering consistent gear shifts.

Every GX model came with standard full-time four-wheel drive, a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, and in Overtrail trims, a rear differential for balanced power distribution. The Overtrail trims also featured the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which optimized stability by locking and unlocking stabilizer bars as needed.

During test drives, the GX exhibited solid acceleration from both stops and at highway speeds, with highly effective brakes. Although tests took place under favorable conditions, the vehicle’s over 5,000-pound weight necessitated careful braking on long descents in hot weather. Surprisingly, the new GX demonstrated composure through twists and turns, a stark contrast to the older model. Off-road capabilities were credible even in less aggressive terrains due to weather conditions, though full evaluations of traction management modes were not possible.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue also brought a unique powertrain to the table. The 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine might have had fewer cylinders but compensated with its VC-Turbo technology. This allowed it to vary its compression ratio to balance power and fuel efficiency dynamically. Exploiting this tech, the Rogue’s engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, surpassing many of its competitors' powertrains.

Despite the engine’s competence, the CVT transmission didn't dispel common stereotypes, often transferring power to the wheels sluggishly. The Rogue came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. As a daily driver, the Rogue’s suspension, particularly in the Platinum trim, felt firmer than necessary, impacting ride quality without enhancing handling. Nevertheless, the Rogue maintained a quiet cabin, making for a pleasant driving environment, although the exhaust notes were less impressive.

The interior of the 2024 Lexus GX showcased a minimalist and sophisticated evolution from its predecessor. While physical buttons were reduced, essential controls remained accessible. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked the 14-inch touchscreen, complemented by physical buttons for off-roading features.

Passenger space was ample for six-foot adults in the first and second rows, offering 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, included in Premium and Luxury models, was tight with 31.7 inches of legroom, suitable mainly for children.

In contrast, the Land Rover Defender 110, a key competitor, offered slightly different space dimensions but struggled even more with third-row legroom. However, the longer-wheelbase Defender 130 provided a more spacious option for seven passengers.

The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, which expanded to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space measured 76.9 cubic feet, with Overtrail models providing up to 90.5 cubic feet without the third row.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Nissan Rogue mirrored its rivals in passenger space, particularly in legroom, with configurations offering nearly identical dimensions in both rows. Cargo space reached a maximum of 36.5 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the GX but competitive within its class.

Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide system offered flexibility, allowing a flat cargo floor with hidden storage or a lower floor for increased cargo height. Additional features like the molded-in space for grocery bags and optional power liftgate boosted the Rogue’s practicality.

A 14-inch touchscreen dominated the 2024 Lexus GX’s dash, complemented by USB-C ports and wireless charging for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models had additional USB-C ports for rear-seat passengers, totaling up to six USB ports across the vehicle. Additionally, a 120-volt wall-style outlet was available in the trunk.

The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect providing an intelligent voice assistant for navigation, climate, and stereo controls. These features were included in a three-year trial, with post-trial subscriptions ranging from $15 to $25 monthly. While the GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims offered a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue came with either an 8-inch or a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Higher trims also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Google built-in apps—unique in its segment. Google built-in integrated Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly with the vehicle's system, though it required a data plan after five years.

While the dual 12.3-inch screens significantly improved usability, pre-production models showed slow boot-up times. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, with Nissan extending the free trial of its Connect Services to three years.

Safety had been a concern for the GX, with prior models receiving mediocre ratings. However, the 2024 model saw a significant upgrade with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 coming standard. This included pre-collision detection, avoidance and braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. Proactive driving assist was also introduced, adding a layer of safety by braking appropriately during cruise control use.

Crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, but the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS suite instilled confidence.

For the 2024 Nissan Rogue, safety scores were solid. IIHS rated it highly in all categories except for an “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, with top marks in side crash tests.

Standard driver assists included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear emergency braking. ProPilot Assist, standard on higher trims, added lane centering and navigation-based proactive speed adjustments.