The 2023 Nissan Rogue has carved out a significant space in the competitive compact SUV segment. While its name might suggest a rebellious spirit, the Rogue instead delivers a well-rounded package of comfort, technology, and practicality that appeals to a broad range of drivers. Is the 2023 Nissan Rogue still a top pick in a crowded market? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review to find out.
Initial Encounter: Beyond First Impressions
Stepping into the 2023 Nissan Rogue might not be the most exhilarating experience at first glance, especially when it appears as a rental upgrade from a reserved sedan. However, dismissing this SUV based on initial expectations would be a mistake. Like many, my first encounter with the Rogue was in a rental lot, and admittedly, my expectations were muted. SUVs weren’t typically my preference, leaning more towards smaller, sportier vehicles. The all-black exterior of the 2023 Rogue I was handed seemed understated, even generic.
Yet, first impressions can be deceiving. What might initially appear as ordinary gradually reveals itself as a thoughtfully designed and surprisingly refined vehicle. The 2023 Nissan Rogue proves that substance often outweighs initial flashiness.
Exterior Styling: Understated Sophistication
The exterior of the 2023 Nissan Rogue prioritizes a clean and contemporary aesthetic over bold, attention-grabbing design. While it might not scream “rogue” in the traditional sense, its styling is arguably more mature and widely appealing than some of its rivals. Compared to some competitors in the midsize SUV class, the Rogue presents a balanced and harmonious design. It avoids polarizing design elements, opting for a look that will likely age gracefully.
Notable design elements include the sharply styled headlights, which Nissan describes as “snarly,” adding a touch of aggression to the front fascia. The flared wheel arches are a standout feature, contributing a subtle sporty flair to the SUV’s profile, a detail often appreciated from the driver’s seat. However, the standard 17-inch wheels might appear a tad undersized for the overall vehicle proportions, potentially warranting an upgrade to larger rims for enhanced visual appeal.
Overall, the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s exterior styling is best described as sophisticatedly understated. It’s a design that blends in seamlessly in various environments, from city streets to suburban landscapes, appealing to buyers who prefer refined elegance over ostentatious boldness.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Step Above Expectations
Stepping inside the 2023 Nissan Rogue reveals a cabin that significantly elevates the SUV’s appeal. The interior design and material quality are surprisingly upscale for its class, creating a comfortable and inviting environment. The immediate impression is one of refinement, with a layout that prioritizes user-friendliness and a touch of near-luxury ambiance.
The front seats offer a mixed bag of comfort features. The upper bolsters are notably deep and supportive, providing excellent lateral support, reminiscent of sportier vehicles. However, the lower seat cushions are quite flat, lacking in under-thigh support for longer drives. Despite this, the overall seating position is comfortable for everyday use.
The center console is well-organized and functional, housing essential controls and connectivity features. It includes a push-button start, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and generously sized cupholders. The traditional gear shift lever, however, might feel somewhat outdated compared to more modern designs like rotary dials or push-button selectors. The climate controls are commendably user-friendly, featuring physical knobs and buttons, a welcome feature for those who prefer tactile controls over touch-sensitive interfaces. Similarly, the inclusion of physical gauges in the instrument cluster is a plus for drivers who appreciate traditional instrumentation.
The infotainment system is generally well-executed, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB connection. The system is intuitive to navigate, with menus that are easy to learn and use. The audio system performance is adequate, falling into the “average” category – neither exceptionally impressive nor disappointingly poor.
In terms of practicality, the rear cargo area offers ample space for luggage and gear, suitable for families and road trips. Rear passenger space is also generous, although perhaps not class-leading in terms of sheer volume.
Overall, the interior of the 2023 Nissan Rogue is a highlight, exceeding expectations in terms of design, material quality, and user-friendliness. It creates a comfortable and technologically competent space for both driver and passengers.
Engine and Performance: Efficient 3-Cylinder Surprise
Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Rogue features a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This might seem modest for a vehicle of its size, weighing around 3,616 pounds. However, the engine’s performance is surprisingly adequate for everyday driving needs. While not overtly sporty or fast, it provides sufficient power for city commutes, highway cruising, and typical suburban driving scenarios.
The 3-cylinder configuration might raise eyebrows among those accustomed to larger engines, but in practice, the Rogue’s engine performs like a well-tuned turbocharged 4-cylinder in most driving situations. It delivers responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery, effectively dispelling concerns about being underpowered.
Paired with the engine is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While CVTs are known for maximizing fuel efficiency, they sometimes lack the engaging feel of traditional automatic transmissions. In the Rogue, the CVT performs adequately but can feel and sound somewhat unrefined under harder acceleration, with a characteristic drone that some drivers might find less appealing. However, Nissan has included paddle shifters on the steering wheel, a surprising addition for a CVT, offering simulated gear changes for a more engaging driving experience, even if the actual gear ratios remain continuously variable.
Driving Dynamics: Comfortable and Competent
The 2023 Nissan Rogue prioritizes comfort and ease of driving over outright sporty handling. The model tested was equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), although front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. The AWD system provides added confidence in various weather conditions, although it’s not intended for serious off-roading. The Rogue’s driving experience is well-suited for daily commutes and family errands.
The steering feel is light and somewhat vague, typical for vehicles in this class, prioritizing ease of maneuverability in urban environments. However, it is smooth and predictable. The ride quality is comfortable, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a composed experience on various road surfaces. The standard 17-inch wheels and tires contribute to a compliant ride, even on less-than-perfect roads.
Outward visibility is excellent in all directions, a significant advantage for navigating traffic and parking. This contributes to a sense of confidence and ease when driving in busy urban settings. The 2023 Nissan Rogue also features selectable driving modes, including Off-Road, Snow, Comfort, Eco, and Sport. Comfort mode is well-balanced for everyday driving, while Sport mode sharpens throttle response for a slightly more engaging feel.
One notable ergonomic quirk is the gear shift lever, which some might find less intuitive than standard designs, potentially requiring a brief adjustment period to become fully accustomed to its operation.
Overall, the driving experience of the 2023 Nissan Rogue is characterized by comfort, competence, and ease of use, making it a practical and agreeable choice for daily driving.
Fuel Efficiency: Respectable MPG for an SUV
Fuel economy is a significant consideration for SUV buyers, and the 2023 Nissan Rogue delivers respectable numbers. During the test period, the Rogue averaged 27.7 miles per gallon. While this might not be class-leading for a 3-cylinder engine, it’s a solid figure for a vehicle of its size and capability in the SUV segment. The fuel efficiency adds to the Rogue’s practicality and cost-effectiveness for daily use.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the 2023 Nissan Rogue
The 2023 Nissan Rogue stands out as a vehicle that is “inconspicuously nice.” It might not make a dramatic first impression, but its strengths lie in its well-rounded execution and surprising levels of refinement, particularly in the interior.
Pros:
- Upscale Interior: The interior design and material quality are a significant highlight, exceeding expectations for its class.
- Comfortable Front Seats (Upper Bolstering): The upper seat bolsters provide excellent support, enhancing comfort during cornering and spirited driving.
- Excellent Outward Visibility: Provides a clear view in all directions, boosting driver confidence and ease of maneuvering.
Cons:
- Unsupportive Lower Front Seats: The flat lower seat cushions lack under-thigh support, potentially reducing long-distance comfort.
- CVT Refinement: The CVT, while efficient, can sound and feel less refined compared to traditional transmissions, especially under acceleration.
- Gearshift Lever Ergonomics: The gear shift lever design might be less intuitive for some users.
In conclusion, the 2023 Nissan Rogue is a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. It prioritizes comfort, technology, and practicality, making it a strong contender for buyers seeking a well-rounded and refined SUV for everyday use. While it may not be the most “rogue” in spirit, it confidently delivers where it counts, offering a genuinely pleasant and capable driving experience.
