The 2023 Nissan Rogue has carved out a significant space in the competitive compact SUV market. While its name might suggest a rebellious spirit, the Rogue’s true strength lies in its well-rounded nature, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and practicality that appeals to a broad range of drivers. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of the 2023 Nissan Rogue to see if it truly earns its place among the top contenders.
Scott Front of a 2023 Nissan Rogue in black, showcasing its modern front fascia and grille
Initial Encounter: Stepping into the 2023 Rogue
My first experience with the 2023 Nissan Rogue began unexpectedly at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Initially, I had booked a midsize sedan for a rental, but due to availability, I was offered a black 2023 Rogue instead. As someone who generally prefers smaller cars over SUVs, I admit my initial reaction wasn’t enthusiastic. SUVs, to me, often felt bulky and less engaging to drive.
Side view of a black 2023 Nissan Rogue parked in a rental car lot, emphasizing its compact SUV dimensions
Walking towards the all-black Rogue in the Hertz parking lot, my first impression was rather subdued. It presented a clean, inoffensive design, but nothing that immediately jumped out as particularly exciting. It seemed to blend into the sea of SUVs. However, as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving.
Three-quarter view of a silver 2023 Nissan Rogue highlighting its overall design and stance
Despite my initial reservations, I decided to approach the Rogue with an open mind. After all, sometimes the most unassuming vehicles can surprise you. Little did I know, this “ordinary” SUV was about to challenge my preconceptions.
2023 Nissan Rogue parked at a Hertz rental car facility, illustrating its availability and accessibility
Exterior Styling and Design: A Refined Look
While the 2023 Nissan Rogue might not scream “rogue” in its styling, it presents a refined and contemporary aesthetic. Compared to some of its competitors, the Rogue leans towards a more mature and less overtly aggressive design language. It’s arguably more visually appealing than some rivals, even if it doesn’t shout for attention.
Front three-quarter view of a black 2023 Nissan Rogue in an urban setting, showcasing its street presence
The Rogue’s design is well-proportioned, with a balanced silhouette. While it might blend in with other midsize SUVs, closer inspection reveals thoughtful design elements. The front fascia features Nissan’s V-Motion grille, flanked by distinctive headlights that, as some might say, have a “snarly” appearance, adding a touch of character to the front end.
Side profile of a 2023 Nissan Rogue highlighting its body lines and compact SUV proportions
One notable design aspect is the Rogue’s short front overhang, contributing to a more agile and less bulky appearance. This is a subtle detail, but it enhances the overall visual appeal and gives it a slightly more athletic stance.
Close-up of the 2023 Nissan Rogue headlights, emphasizing their sharp and modern design
Perhaps the most striking exterior design feature is the flared wheel arches. From the driver’s seat, they offer a subtle hint of sportiness, almost reminiscent of a sports car. This design element adds a touch of visual flair that elevates the Rogue beyond the typical SUV mold.
Front grille of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, detailing the V-Motion design and Nissan logo
However, the standard 17-inch wheels might be considered a less exciting design choice. While perfectly functional, larger or more stylized wheels could enhance the Rogue’s visual presence and give it a bolder stance, aligning more with its “Rogue” name.
Wheel of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing the standard 17-inch wheel design
Overall, the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s exterior styling is a step above generic, offering a pleasing and modern design. It prioritizes refinement and approachability over outright aggression, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for everyday driving.
Rear three-quarter view of a black 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing the taillights and rear design
Interior Comfort and Technology: Where the Rogue Shines
Stepping inside the 2023 Nissan Rogue is where the vehicle truly begins to impress. The interior design and material quality are a significant leap forward, creating a cabin environment that feels surprisingly premium for its class. It immediately elevates the Rogue’s appeal and sets it apart from many competitors.
Interior of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showcasing the dashboard, seats, and overall cabin layout
The use of high-quality materials and textures throughout the cabin is immediately noticeable. Nissan has paid attention to detail, creating an interior that feels a notch above what you might expect in a mainstream midsize SUV. The design has a hint of European influence, with some reviewers noting a resemblance to BMW interiors in terms of layout and material choices.
Dashboard and steering wheel of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, highlighting the instrument cluster and infotainment screen
The front seats offer a mixed bag of comfort features. The upper bolsters are surprisingly supportive and comfortable, providing good lateral support during cornering. However, the lower seat cushions are quite flat and lack under-thigh support, which might become noticeable on longer drives.
Center console of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, displaying the gear selector, cupholders, and control buttons
The center console is well-designed and functional, featuring essential controls within easy reach. It includes a start/stop button, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, generously sized cupholders, and a conveniently placed electronic parking brake switch. The gearshift lever, however, is a point of contention, with some finding its design less intuitive than desired.
Climate control buttons and knobs in the 2023 Nissan Rogue, emphasizing the physical controls
For those who appreciate tactile controls, the Rogue retains physical knobs and buttons for the climate control system. This user-friendly approach is a welcome feature, making adjustments easy and distraction-free while driving. Similarly, the inclusion of physical gauges in the instrument cluster is a plus for drivers who prefer traditional displays.
Gauge cluster of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing the analog speedometer and tachometer
The infotainment system is generally well-received, offering a user-friendly interface. It features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (via USB), and the menus are mostly intuitive to navigate. The audio system is adequate but not exceptional, providing decent sound quality for everyday listening.
Infotainment screen of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, displaying the main menu interface
Rear passenger space is ample, offering comfortable seating for adults. The cargo area is also reasonably spacious, providing enough room for luggage and everyday items.
Rear cargo area of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, illustrating the storage capacity
In summary, the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s interior is a highlight, offering a comfortable, well-appointed, and technologically advanced space. It’s a significant selling point and contributes greatly to the overall positive impression of the vehicle.
Rear seats of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing the legroom and seating arrangement
Engine and Performance: Efficient and Adequate
Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Rogue features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This might sound small for an SUV, but it produces a respectable 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Despite the vehicle’s weight of around 3,600 pounds, the engine delivers adequate performance for most driving situations.
Engine bay of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showcasing the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine
The three-cylinder engine might raise eyebrows, but in practice, it performs surprisingly well. In everyday driving, it feels comparable to a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, providing sufficient power for city commutes and highway cruising. The turbocharger ensures decent low-end torque, making acceleration feel responsive.
Paired with the engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are known for prioritizing fuel efficiency, but they can sometimes lack the engaging feel of traditional automatic transmissions. In the Rogue, the CVT performs adequately, but it is not the most refined aspect of the driving experience. Some drivers may find its operation somewhat uninspiring or notice a characteristic CVT drone under hard acceleration.
Engine compartment of the 2023 Nissan Rogue with the hood open, illustrating engine placement and components
Interestingly, the Rogue includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel, a feature rarely seen in conjunction with a CVT. While paddle shifters with a CVT might seem unconventional, they offer a degree of driver engagement, allowing for simulated gear changes.
Driving Dynamics: Comfortable and Composed
The 2023 Nissan Rogue prioritizes comfort and ease of driving over outright sportiness. 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, though the Rogue is not intended for serious off-roading.
Driver's perspective while driving a 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing the road and driving environment
On the road, the Rogue delivers a comfortable and composed ride. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections effectively, making it well-suited for daily commutes and highway journeys. While it’s not as sporty as some performance-oriented SUVs, it handles competently and predictably.
View from inside the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing outward visibility from the driver's seat
Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, thanks to the Rogue’s design and large windows. This is a significant benefit in urban driving and when maneuvering in tight spaces. The steering feel is light and somewhat vague, typical for vehicles in this class, but it is smooth and responsive enough for everyday driving.
The standard 17-inch wheels and tires provide adequate grip and handling for normal road conditions, even on slightly uneven surfaces. However, the Rogue’s focus remains on on-road comfort and practicality rather than off-road prowess.
Driving mode selector in the 2023 Nissan Rogue, highlighting the different driving modes available
The Rogue offers multiple driving modes, including 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 feel. Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency.
Gear shift lever in the 2023 Nissan Rogue, showing the unconventional shifter design
One aspect that might require some adjustment is the gearshift lever. Its design is not the most intuitive, and drivers may need a bit of time to become fully accustomed to its operation.
2023 Nissan Rogue driving on a highway, showcasing its comfortable cruising capability
Fuel Efficiency: A Strong Point
Fuel economy is a significant advantage of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, particularly with its small-displacement three-cylinder engine. During the test period, the Rogue averaged an impressive 27.7 miles per gallon. While this might not be class-leading, it is commendable for a non-hybrid SUV of this size and offers real-world fuel savings.
Refueling a 2023 Nissan Rogue at a gas station, emphasizing its fuel efficiency
The Rogue’s fuel efficiency makes it an economical choice for daily driving and long trips, reducing fuel costs and environmental impact compared to less fuel-efficient SUVs.
2023 Nissan Rogue: Pros and Cons
The 2023 Nissan Rogue stands out as a surprisingly refined and well-rounded compact SUV. It might not have the most adventurous name, but it excels in areas that matter most to everyday drivers: interior comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency.
Pros:
- Upscale Interior: The Rogue’s interior is a major highlight, offering premium materials and a well-designed layout that surpasses expectations for its class.
- Comfortable Front Seats (Upper Bolstering): The upper portion of the front seats provides excellent bolstering, enhancing comfort, especially during cornering.
- Excellent Outward Visibility: The Rogue’s design prioritizes visibility, making it easy to see in all directions, improving safety and maneuverability.
Cons:
- Unsupportive Lower Seat Cushions: The lower portion of the front seats lacks sufficient support, potentially causing discomfort on longer drives.
- CVT Performance: The CVT, while efficient, can feel unrefined and lacks the engagement of traditional transmissions.
- Unconventional Gearshift Lever: The gearshift lever’s design can be confusing and requires an adjustment period.
For a more detailed breakdown, you can explore a comprehensive list of Nissan Rogue pros and cons.
In Conclusion:
The 2023 Nissan Rogue Reviews highlight a vehicle that prioritizes comfort, technology, and efficiency in a stylish and practical package. While it may not be a “rogue” in the rebellious sense, it confidently carves its own path as a top contender in the competitive compact SUV segment. Its strengths in interior quality and fuel economy make it a compelling option for buyers seeking a well-rounded and value-packed SUV.
