2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with a bold new design that embraced geometric styling. The redesigned midsize SUV featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive front end. The squared-off upper edge of the front fascia and the flat hood with raised sides above the front wheels enhanced its off-road capabilities. The GX's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, improving visibility for off-roading. The vehicle's design was further accentuated by standard running boards, with powered units available in the Executive package. In Canada, the GX was offered in a single trim level with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive, each catering to different preferences, from luxury to off-roading.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, featuring a new, larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor changes, with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue's exterior was further enhanced with satin-finish badging and new wheel designs, including 18-inch wheels for the SV grade and 19-inch wheels for the Platinum model. The Platinum trim also featured more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a more premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and all Canadian models came with dual-zone automatic climate control. The upscale interior design of the Rogue Platinum, with leather seats and quilted stitching, added to its appeal as the highest trim level.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential ensured excellent traction. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed on-road performance despite its size and weight.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression ratio, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed many competitors in its class. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, affecting overall performance. The Rogue's suspension felt firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without improving handling. While the engine's performance was commendable, the droning exhaust note detracted from the driving experience. The Rogue came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada, but it wasn't positioned as a driver's car, falling short in daily driving dynamics.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a minimalist and sophisticated design with fewer physical buttons. Rotary knobs for climate control and essential off-roading features remained. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with legroom comparable to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue's cargo space was slightly less than some competitors, with a maximum of 1,033 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,098 litres with them folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations. The Rogue featured a power liftgate on SV models and a motion-activated liftgate on SL and Platinum trims. The centre console provided additional storage options, though accessing the lower storage tray was somewhat awkward.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered 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. The Rogue was the first Nissan to feature Google built-in software, providing integrated Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps. Connectivity 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 touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan Connect Services extended the free trial period to three years, offering remote features via a smartphone app.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems improved confidence in its safety offerings.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received favourable safety ratings, with top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with lane centring and navigation-based speed adjustments.