2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first significant styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were among the Rogue's most distinctive features. While Nissan claimed updates to the rear fascia, the primary change was the redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim, with an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, including the door panels, seats, center console, and dashboard. The upscale interior design, particularly in the Platinum trim with leather seats and quilted stitching, contributed to the Rogue's appeal as a top-tier model in its segment.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in its appearance. Base prices ranged from $58,525 for a 90 model to $120,525 for a 130 V8, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. The Defender 130 X trim, tested at $102,525, included the Extended Black Exterior Pack, upgraded interior materials, and comprehensive off-roading technology. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack increased the MSRP to $106,092. The Defender X's interior was upgraded with premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, offering a choice of Ebony or Caraway colors. The cabin maintained an industrial theme with quality materials, providing a purposeful look rather than a traditional luxury feel. Despite its rugged exterior, the Defender's interior offered a blend of functionality and style, appealing to those seeking a capable off-road vehicle with a touch of refinement.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a unique 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, which allowed it to vary its compression ratio for optimal power or fuel economy. This engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less impressive, often slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. Despite its powerful engine, the Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without enhancing handling. While the engine's performance was commendable, the overall driving experience was less engaging, with a droning exhaust note detracting from the otherwise quiet cabin.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offered robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was primarily driven on pavement during testing, where it handled well but was less agile on twisty roads. The Defender's 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its on-road enthusiasm, but the vehicle excelled in absorbing bumps and maintaining a comfortable ride. The Defender's fuel economy was lower than expected, with an observed 16.2 mpg compared to the estimated 19 mpg.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, similar to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with slight differences in legroom. The Rogue's cargo space was 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, providing less space than the CR-V or Tucson but more than the Forester. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the Rogue featured a molded-in space for grocery bags and a power liftgate on higher trims. The center console offered additional storage, though accessing the lower tray was somewhat awkward.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position and large windows ensured excellent visibility, though the square side mirrors required careful adjustment. The panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row added to the open feel of the cabin. The Defender's second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with adjustable armrests for comfort. The third-row seat was accessible and comfortable, even for adults. The Defender's side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered to ease loading. Cargo space was 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. This feature was free for five years, with a data plan required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the system was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user interface was more intuitive, making it easier to navigate. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was also noteworthy. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system, enhancing the Defender's practicality.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received favorable safety ratings, with top "Good" scores from the IIHS in several crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and rear automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist, which added automated lane centering for highway driving.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with a range of driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. The adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, though it struggled slightly in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time.