2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The test model was showcased in a dusky, oceanic grey-green called Nordic Forest Pearl, one of two new colours available. The interior of the HR-V followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive reading and map lights, and a sculptural centre console. The EX-L trim, which was tested, boasted perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a design that was both appealing and rugged, with proper proportions and chiseled styling. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding destination charges. The Platinum trim, which was tested, featured all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale upgrades, including soft, diamond-pattern leather seats. The Rogue's interior was equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and Nissan's Zero Gravity seat designs, which provided comfort akin to the natural support astronauts experience in space. However, the rear seat comfort was less impressive, with a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats that felt uncomfortable.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. The new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made the HR-V surprisingly fun to drive on mountain roads, although it was not overpowered. The HR-V was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter standard on the top trims.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The CVT included paddle shifters, and the Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban and suburban settings, although it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The Rogue's suspension design and brake-induced ride quality enhancements contributed to a secure and consistent handling character, although the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's cargo space measured 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded, slightly smaller than the previous model. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a nearly flat floor when folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L interior growing a bit while the LX and Sport interiors shrank slightly. Front row legroom improved to 1,064 mm, while rear seat legroom decreased to 958 mm.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a replacement for the traditional family car, accommodating four people comfortably and a fifth person when necessary. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, providing easy access for loading and unloading. The rear seat, however, was less comfortable, with a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue offered up to 1,028 litres of cargo space with the moonroof installed, and the Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for six different cargo area configurations.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch colour touchscreen display, with the EX-L trim offering a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The HR-V also included a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, remote start, and varying audio systems depending on the trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle featured the larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. The Rogue also included a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Bose premium audio system, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition technology struggled with certain requests, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of thoughtfulness.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The HR-V also featured traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a blind-spot information system. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, although the NHTSA had not yet rated it.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, although it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.