2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and performance, with its Type S version standing out for its subtle yet sporty design. The Type S Ultra trim, which was tested, featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting high expectations for quality and driving dynamics. However, some design elements, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S maintained an attractive luxury SUV appeal, with its chicane-design LED lights, panoramic moonroof, and quilted leather interior adding to its allure.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, featuring a new, larger grille and redesigned taillight elements. The Rogue's interior was enhanced with a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a more premium feel. The Rogue Platinum test car boasted leather seats with quilted stitching, contributing to its upscale cabin. While the Rogue's engine performance was impressive, the overall driving experience was less so, with a firmer suspension that didn't enhance handling. Nevertheless, the Rogue's quiet cabin and improved interior design made it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, impacting its performance. The MDX Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the test drive averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of official ratings.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain was a standout feature, with its 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed many competitors, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without improving handling. While the engine's performance was commendable, the overall driving experience was less satisfying, with the Rogue not living up to its potential as a driver's car.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The MDX's second-row seats could slide for more third-row space, but the third row was best suited for children. The cargo area was practical, with a power liftgate and ample storage space, accommodating up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with slight differences in legroom compared to rivals. Its cargo capacity was slightly less than some competitors, offering up to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The Rogue featured the optional Divide-N-Hide system for flexible cargo storage and a power liftgate on higher trims. The centre console offered additional storage, though accessing it was somewhat awkward. Overall, the Rogue's interior was well-designed, with thoughtful features to maximize space.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. Instead, Acura used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a high-end audio system with 25 speakers. However, the infotainment system's voice recognition was less effective than using Siri or Google Assistant.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's technology was a highlight, with SL and Platinum models featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 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 provided a seamless experience for Google users, though connectivity was free for only five years. The Rogue also offered multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue also boasted strong safety credentials, with top ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Rogue offered ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system, on higher trims, providing automated lane centring and adaptive cruise control. While not the most advanced system, it was more capable than many rivals.