The name might suggest a rebellious spirit, but the 2023 Nissan Rogue is more about sophisticated comfort and practicality than outright anarchy. It’s a compelling midsize SUV that has garnered attention for its blend of features, and after spending some time with it, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular choice. While its name might be a bit of an overstatement, the Rogue offers a genuinely enjoyable driving experience and a host of tech and convenience features that make it a strong contender in its class.
First Impressions: Unexpected Rental Upgrade
Initially, my encounter with the 2023 Nissan Rogue was purely accidental. Expecting a midsize sedan from a rental booking at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), I was instead handed the keys to a brand new, all-black Rogue. As someone who generally prefers smaller cars, my initial reaction wasn’t exactly excitement. SUVs aren’t typically my first choice, and to be honest, my expectations were low.
However, first impressions can be deceiving. What started as a slightly underwhelming rental car experience quickly transformed into a genuine appreciation for what the 2023 Nissan Rogue has to offer. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best discoveries are the unexpected ones.
Exterior Styling: Understated but Appealing Design
In terms of exterior styling, the 2023 Nissan Rogue plays it safe, perhaps too safe for a vehicle bearing such a bold name. It’s not going to turn heads with radical design choices, but it presents a clean and contemporary look that is arguably more attractive than some of its competitors, even surpassing the Cadillac XT5 in my view. While it might blend into the crowded midsize SUV segment a bit too easily, there are some noteworthy design elements.
The short front overhangs, reminiscent of sportier vehicles, are a welcome touch. The headlights, with their “snarly” design, add a hint of aggression, possibly hinting at the “Rogue” moniker.
However, the standout exterior feature is undoubtedly the flared wheel arches. From the driver’s seat, they offer a surprisingly sporty and almost Corvette-like aesthetic, adding a touch of visual flair to an otherwise conservative design.
On the downside, the standard 17-inch wheels feel a bit undersized for a vehicle attempting to project even a hint of “rogue”ness. Larger, more assertive wheels would certainly enhance its stance and visual appeal.
Overall, the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s exterior is pleasant and inoffensive, appealing to a broad audience seeking a stylish but not overly aggressive SUV.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Pleasant Surprise
Stepping inside the 2023 Nissan Rogue is where the vehicle truly begins to shine. The interior is a significant step up from what one might expect in a mainstream midsize SUV. It’s a genuinely nice space, with materials and textures that feel a notch above the ordinary. While not perfect, the cabin creates a surprisingly premium ambiance.
The design and layout evoke a sense of sophistication, almost reminiscent of a BMW interior. This isn’t hyperbole; the attention to detail and quality of materials punch above its weight class.
The front seats are a mixed bag. The upper bolsters are exceptionally supportive and comfortable, providing a snug and secure feeling, almost like sports car seats. However, the lower seat cushions are surprisingly flat and lack adequate support for longer drives.
The center console is well-designed and user-friendly, featuring essential controls like a start/stop button, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, generously sized cupholders, and a conveniently located parking brake switch. The only minor complaint is the stubby gearshift lever, which feels a bit less refined than the rest of the interior.
Practical physical knobs and buttons for the climate control system are a welcome feature, making adjustments easy and intuitive while driving. Similarly, the inclusion of physical gauges in the instrument cluster is a refreshing touch in an era of increasingly digital dashboards.
The infotainment system is user-friendly and functional, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB. The menus are generally intuitive and easy to navigate. While the audio system is adequate, it’s not particularly impressive, falling into the “just okay” category.
In terms of space, the rear cargo area is quite generous, offering ample room for luggage or cargo. Rear passenger space is also commendable, providing comfortable seating for adults, although perhaps not exceptionally spacious.
Other interior features include paddle shifters, an engine start/stop button, a sunglasses holder, and standard power window and lock controls, along with useful storage space under the center armrest. These details contribute to the overall practicality and convenience of the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s interior.
Engine and Performance: The 3-Cylinder Question
Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Rogue features a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. While these figures might seem modest for a 3,616-pound SUV, the engine performs surprisingly well in real-world driving scenarios.
Initially, the idea of a 3-cylinder engine in a vehicle of this size might raise eyebrows. However, Nissan has done a commendable job of extracting sufficient power and refinement from this small engine. In fact, during regular driving, it feels more like a turbocharged 4-cylinder, offering adequate power for city and highway driving.
The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While CVTs are often criticized for their lack of engagement, this one, unfortunately, doesn’t do much to change that perception. It feels and sounds somewhat unrefined, detracting slightly from the overall driving experience. However, the inclusion of paddle shifters is a curious addition, given the nature of a CVT. While they might not offer the same level of control as a traditional automatic transmission, they do provide a touch of driver engagement.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Comfortable, Not Exactly “Rogue”
The 2023 Nissan Rogue in question was equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), although front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. While AWD wasn’t particularly necessary during the test drive, the Rogue delivered a composed and comfortable ride in various conditions.
It’s not aiming to be a sporty SUV like a Porsche Macan, but it offers a pleasant and capable driving experience for everyday use. On the highway, it feels stable and confident, suitable for comfortable cruising and everyday commutes.
Outward visibility is excellent, providing a clear view of the surroundings, which is crucial for navigating traffic and maneuvering in tight spaces. Steering feel is somewhat vague, typical for vehicles in this class, but it is smooth and responsive enough for comfortable driving. The 17-inch wheels with all-season tires provided adequate traction, even on হালকা dirt roads.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is designed for urban and suburban environments, excelling in daily driving and highway journeys. It’s not intended for serious off-roading, but it can handle light-duty unpaved roads without issue.
The Rogue offers five driving modes: Off-road, Snow, Comfort, Eco, and Sport. Comfort mode is suitable for most situations, while Sport mode sharpens throttle response for a slightly more engaging driving experience.
One notable downside in the driving experience is the unintuitive gearshift lever. Its operation is not immediately obvious and requires some familiarization to use smoothly.
Fuel Economy: Respectable MPG
Fuel economy is a strong point for the 2023 Nissan Rogue, especially considering its 3-cylinder engine. During the test, it achieved an average of 27.7 miles per gallon (MPG) over two days of mixed driving. While not exceptional for a 3-cylinder, it is a respectable figure for a midsize SUV and competitive within its segment.
This fuel efficiency makes the 2023 Nissan Rogue a practical choice for those seeking to balance SUV versatility with reasonable running costs.
Pros and Cons: Quick Summary
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is a surprisingly well-rounded and “inconspicuously nice” vehicle. It may not shout about its capabilities, but it quietly impresses with its comfortable interior and array of features.
Pros
- Upscale Interior: The interior is a standout, offering a premium feel and quality materials unexpected in this segment.
- Supportive Upper Front Seats: The upper bolstering of the front seats provides excellent support, enhancing driving comfort.
- Excellent Outward Visibility: Clear visibility in all directions contributes to driving confidence and safety.
Cons
- Unsupportive Lower Front Seats: The flat lower seat cushions lack support, especially on longer journeys.
- Unrefined CVT: The CVT detracts from the driving experience with its feel and sound.
- Confusing Gearshift Lever: The gearshift lever is not intuitive and takes time to get used to.
Conclusion
Despite its somewhat misleading name, the 2023 Nissan Rogue is a highly competent and appealing midsize SUV. It prioritizes comfort, practicality, and a touch of understated luxury over outright “rogue”ness. While it has a few minor shortcomings, particularly the CVT and lower seat support, its strengths, especially its interior and fuel economy, make it a compelling choice in a competitive market. If you’re looking for a refined and comfortable SUV that’s more about quiet competence than rebellious antics, the 2023 Nissan Rogue is definitely worth considering.
