2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and substantial ground clearance of 206 millimetres, complemented by an overall height of 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to dominate the road, with massive headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations. However, the interior's excessive plastic materials detracted from its luxury appeal, though features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery added some refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of amenities. The Rogue's interior was well-appointed, with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. However, the key fob design was criticized for its lack of thoughtfulness, and the rear seat comfort fell short compared to the front seats. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Rogue's design and interior features made it a practical choice for families seeking a compact SUV.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. Its towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was impressive, but its fuel economy, estimated at 16.2 L/100 km in the city, was less appealing. The GX's weight contributed to predictable handling, and its Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The CVT transmission offered smooth performance, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy was estimated at 7.7 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, providing a balanced and composed driving experience. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the engine's character might not appeal to all drivers.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, and the third-row seats were too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded. The side-hinged trunk door was also cumbersome to operate.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue provided a spacious and practical interior, with features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. The cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was criticized for its usability.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, and the inclusion of a CD player seemed out of place. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with features like a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, and the system struggled with certain commands. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced features like lane-tracing assist. The GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but its safety features were commendable.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received lower scores in updated crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement.