2023 Nissan Rogue vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

1. Exterior Design

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a completely new design compared to the previous model. Hyundai has named this a "fluidic sculpture". It is a very modern-looking SUV with the use of steel and patterns to give it a bold and athletic design. The roof of the Tucson has a panoramic sunroof which allows more light into the vehicle. The side mirrors can be folded in and unfolded by the touch of a button. The rear bumper has a wiper for the window and a dual muffler for a different sporty look. There is also a rear diffuser for the Tucson which is in resemblance to a racing car to give off a sporty attitude. Many of the paintwork for the Tucson has been done with new paint technology too. This paint is called "pearl essence" and gives a premium and glossy feel for the vehicle plus it prevents minor scratches in the paint. This gives the Tucson a lasting premium look to the exterior.

Nissan Rogue's exterior features are very impressive. There are many new changes to the car's exterior in comparison to the previous model, such as the headlights having an LED light located at the top of the light and the main headlight located below it. This gives the car a new and updated look. The most distinct feature would be the 17-inch wheels. Rogue's SL edition features wheels that are a 10-spoke 17" alloy wheel which give the car an upmarket look compared to the competition. The standard design of the wheel for the base model is styled and colored silver. The side mirrors also have LED indicators located on the bottom of the side mirror for more safety and visibility. The rear lights feature the same LED system as the headlights and give it a nice touch. Rogue also features a power liftgate for more accessibility when putting items in or out of the rear storage. The rear bumper features a wraparound look and is of the same color as the car, which is to do with the paint technology Nissan has implemented in the manufacturing process. This is called "Scratch Shield paint" and is derived from a common self-healing type paint to keep the paint looking new. This will prevent the paint and the car from looking damaged over years of use. This will only be a new feature for the Rogue and Rogue Select.

1.1. Nissan Rogue's exterior features

The 18" aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires complete the exterior look of the 2023 Rogue. These allow for a sporty yet efficient drive. Coming with either black or chrome-colored finish, these wheels offer a premium look depending on the trim of the vehicle. These wheels offer a better visual appearance than standard steel wheels with hubcaps frequently found on vehicles around the same price range without losing efficiency or inflating the price too high.

This design feature proved controversial as some consumers wanted a larger window capacity for the vehicle. This design aspect has been carried over to the 2023 model; however, the rear window has been slightly enlarged to provide more visibility functionality.

The "floating" roof is said to be one of a kind and has an effect that appears as though it is "gliding" or "floating" over the rest of the car. This gives the appearance of an open atmosphere for passengers inside the vehicle. This design aspect, being somewhat of a signature for the Rogue, comes with the reasoning that Nissan wants to stand out from the crowd compared to other SUVs on the market.

The LED headlights provide much brighter illumination than halogen lights while also consuming less energy, whereas the LED taillights consume less energy than traditional bulbs. They also have a longer lifespan. These make them overall more cost efficient and illuminate quicker, allowing other drivers to see the braking indicators sooner.

The main exterior features of the 2023 Nissan Rogue are its signature LED headlights and taillights, a floating roof with a "floating" C-Pillar first introduced on the 2018 model, and 18" aluminum-alloy wheels.

1.2. Hyundai Tucson's exterior features

The Tucson's protruding fenders house 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, and the clipped rear overhang was chosen to maintain the sporty proportions of the compact SUV. Longer and wider than the third-generation model, the fourth-generation Tucson has also been changed from what Hyundai called "an SUV to Generation Y, to an SUV to Silent Generation" and beyond for buyers to a product that appeals to all generations. These concepts were captured in the Parametric Dynamics design theme, which is defined by kinetic jewel surface details that are supposed to give the Tucson a "kinetic and dynamic design and presence". See the gallery at the end of this page for a 360-degree view of the Tucson's exterior. The combination of those concepts with a desire to make the Tucson the market's most fuel-efficient compact SUV guided a design that has a 0.33 coefficient of drag, and the hidden rear wiper also contributes to a minimalist design. The flashiest elements of the bold new design are found in front on Limited and Calligraphy trims with the oversized grille that is reminiscent of the Chinese-market Encino and flanked by a pair of T-shaped LED running lights that also help define the lower crest of the hood. A full-width lighting signature is created with the LED daytime running lights positioned on top of the headlights. Along the sides, bold body creasing and a coupe-like C-pillar are other defining features. Around back, the Tucson receives LED taillights on upper-trim versions, and the model name is spelled out in block letters across the liftgate. An 8-millimeter increase in rear track width is intended to improve driving dynamics and create more rear passenger room.

2. Interior Features and Technology

The interior highlights of the Nissan Rogue focus on creating an open and bright cabin with a serene vibe. Although the base model comes with standard cloth upholstery, the SV and SL trim levels have an option for a premium quilted semi-aniline leather that adds a touch of elegance. Nissan has gone for a dual-tone theme with the option for driftwood texture open-pore wood on the dash. There is ambient mood lighting on the console and front door finishers. Wanting to improve the driving experience, the Rogue offers a variety of seating options such as a 6-way power driver's seat and memory function which is great for shared family vehicles. The standout feature is the zero gravity seats, the fatigue-reducing design was inspired by the weightlessness of space and is NASA proven with a reduction in muscular and spinal loads. Elsewhere, an electronic shifter frees up space in the center console and automatic sunshades for the rear doors are a nice touch for those with young children. The Tucson's interior heavily focuses on technology and ergonomic design. It is very driver-oriented with everything centered towards the driver's seat. The first thing most people will notice is the lack of a traditional-style shifter, instead, there is a floating center console that houses a push-button shift. The narrow structure of the console is said to feel like a cockpit which matches the infusion of a lot of technology and aluminum or satin chrome accents. The door handles are electronic and remember if locked or unlocked preventing embarrassing handle-pulling moments. LED map lights and LED reading lights are optional depending on the trim level and to enhance the feeling of space, there is a large panoramic sunroof with the option for opening and a class exclusive, the open-air gusseted windscreen which deflects air and increases visibility. This is great for installation of the new blind spot information system that will have both the wing mirror and windscreen display.

2.1. Nissan Rogue's interior highlights

The Rogue's interior has also been notably improved, with a wide but soft dash shared with the smaller Qashqai. Underneath is a simplified control layout with easy access to the climate control and multimedia systems. Thanks to improved packaging, the M-C sized vehicle now features best-in-class interior space. Clever features include a redesigned 'Divide-n-Hide' cargo system with 18 adjustable variations and an optional 3rd row of seats, making the Rogue Nissan's only vehicle with the Family Tech feature. Heading the interior changes is a premium feel provided by the comfortable and supportive 'Zero Gravity' front seats (8-way power driver's seat with 2-way lumbar) and 4-way power front passenger seat with seat memory. Tri-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are also available. The base model Rogue S will come equipped with an 'EZ Flex' 40/20/40 2nd row sliding/reclining bench seat with pass through and optional 3rd row. Continuing through to the SV and SL models, the interior features leather-appointed seating, dual panel panoramic moonroof, motion-activated tailgate, driver's seat and mirror position memory, and a remote start with intelligent climate control functionality. High-quality finishes can be seen with the D-shaped steering wheel, ambient lighting, and the combination of satin chrome and wood tone trims on the SL model. In addition to these features, the Rogue will also take advantage of Nissan's 'Intelligent Key' functionality, allowing the driver to set various key and vehicle functions to individual keys so functions are automatically set to the driver's preferred choice.

2.2. Hyundai Tucson's interior highlights

For Hyundai Tucson, the interior itself is definitely its highest point. The same space utilization philosophy seen on the Santa Fe is present in the Tucson with an abundance of storage cubbies and nifty features to store and organize your gear. The interior is richly textured and the dash logically laid out. The use of two-tiered cubbies in the center stack and flow-through center console provide a multitude of options for storing electronics, mobile phones, and other necessities. The tilting and telescoping steering wheel is significantly weighted and all controls and switchgear are well placed, although some market segments would benefit from larger texts and buttons. The rear seats are some of the most usable we've encountered thanks to plenty of head and knee room and reclining seatbacks. An area of concern is the size of the cargo bay in the rear. While it's rated larger than the previous model, and many current competitors, the elevation of the rear seats and high load floor somewhat negate its capacity and smaller SUVs like the Honda HR-V are able to haul just as much. In terms of overall functionality, versatility, and design, we rate the interior of the new Tucson among the best in its segment.

2.3. Comparison of technology offerings

On the other hand, the Rogue will come standard with an 8-inch display and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the infotainment system will be upgradeable to a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and a wireless version will be available, which can connect via the Wi-Fi hotspot. Another standout feature is called the "Nissan Concierge" service, which is a human assistant that can help locate new points of interest, provide roadside assistance around the clock, and even book reservations at restaurants for the user. A 9-speaker Bose sound system is available on the higher spec Bose Premium package, which, in contrast to the Tucson, connects to 2 front door-mounted speakers only.

Each of these vehicles has its own list of features. However, on paper, the Tucson comes ahead with the more premier infotainment system on offer. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster will come as standard, and the same size infotainment screen can be optioned, which provides satellite navigation and a multi-device pairing function that will let the user connect to 2 devices simultaneously through Bluetooth. An 8-speaker Bose sound system is available on higher spec models and connects to a center channel and subwoofer, and also utilizes Bose audio-pilot noise compensation technology. This sound system, which is tuned specifically for the Tucson cabin, is claimed to be a segment first. Dual Bluetooth support will let two different users connect a device and switch between songs on either phone, and a new NFC digital key function can be utilized with smartphones having NFC technology, which will allow the user to lock and unlock the vehicle and start the car without needing the physical key.

3. Performance and Efficiency

When comparing the performance and efficiency of the 2023 Rogue to other compact SUVs in its class, it comes out ahead. With the same 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine that is also in the Nissan Altima, the Rogue has a substantial amount of power with 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque. The engine also comes with a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) that runs power smoothly to the front wheels and the optional All-Mode AWD. The CVT transmission seemed a bit loud during acceleration, but Nissan's 'Sport' mode makes the vehicle more responsive and increases engine and transmission performance. The hydraulically-assisted electric power steering was smooth and had a relatively tight 37.4 ft turning diameter. For off-road performance, the AWD system which is also found in Murano and Pathfinder, comes equipped with a lock mode to aid in extra slippery terrain. Though the Rogue is no off-road vehicle, this will help in some situations such as snow or mud. Step-in and seating height was also less than the previous model, however driver visibility was increased with the new geometric window design and better viewing angles of critical dials and meters. In addition, all of the above has been accomplished while still achieving some of the best fuel economy and emissions ratings in the class. In a series of Rogue vs Tucson/GMC Terrain/CR-V fuel economy tests performed by Nissan, the Rogue consistently finished with the best fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This test also highlighted that the Rogue was more fuel efficient even when loaded with 5 passengers, proving that the combination of efficient packaging and advanced engine and transmission technology can yield both size and fuel efficiency. During Nissan's testing the Rogue's real-world fuel economy was better than estimated EPA ratings, and it is said that the vehicle has a substantial driving range of over 500 miles with its 15.9-gallon fuel tank.

3.1. Engine options and powertrain of Nissan Rogue

It is very safe to say that the 2023 Rogue's engine is simpler, more powerful, and even more suitable for towing than the 2.4L DOHC engine that was used in the previous generations of the Rogue. Front-wheel drive Rogues will be able to tow 1,500 lbs, and all-wheel drive (adds only 150 lbs) increases the tow capacity to 1,500 lbs. A well-matched engine and improved aerodynamics give the Rogue better fuel efficiency than many of its competitors. The new Xtronic CVT, which is the only available transmission for the Rogue, is a standard when it comes to Nissan vehicles. Always improving their CVT technology, this newest transmission features dynamic step shifting to simulate gear changes and to maintain the engine's optimal powerband.

Nissan Rogue is powered by a 2.5L DOHC inline-4 cylinder engine that produces 169hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled with Nissan's new Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The Rogue is available in either front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive. The system is designed for "on-demand" use, sensing road conditions at all times and responding to changes before the driver even knows they've occurred. It reacts to wheel slippage and will automatically divert power to the wheels with the best traction.

3.2. Engine options and powertrain of Hyundai Tucson

No diesel engines have been announced despite initial plans for a 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine option. Hybrid options are to be introduced to select model year of the new Tucson. Initial reports have suggested it will be using a modified version of the Kia Optima Hybrid powertrain. This consists of a 2.4-litre GDI engine in tandem with a 40 hp electric motor and a lithium polymer battery pack for a net output of 206 hp. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System round out the improved powertrain. Step-up models can expect the integration of Hyundai's in-house six-speed automatic as the GDI engine becomes more widely used in the Tucson model range.

Hyundai has provided three engine choices in the past. A 2.4-litre DOHC Theta II MPI four-cylinder known as the GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection). This engine has been carried over from the previous generation model despite its discontinuation for the North American market. A 2.0-litre DOHC Theta II MPI four-cylinder engine is the first of the two direct-injected engines. With a twin-scroll turbo, the 2.0-litre engine is capable of 260 hp and 269 lb-ft torque. All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with the availability of SHIFTRONIC in order to manually change the gear ratios.

3.3. Fuel efficiency and driving dynamics

Both the 2023 Nissan Rogue and 2023 Hyundai Tucson offer similar power when it comes to their base model 2.5L 4-cylinder engine options and FWD. However, where the Rogue begins to lose performance, it gains renown for its high-level fuel efficiency: 27 MPG in the city, 35 on the highway, 30 combined. This high fuel efficiency is a result of significant revisions in 2021 to both the engine and the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, which translate to a 1 MPG city and 2 MPG combined increase in fuel efficiency compared to the 2020 model. Further fuel efficiency and performance can be gained from the 2023 Rogue by choosing an available FWD hybrid powertrain or e-POWER series hybrid. High fuel efficiency is not a theme of success for the new Tucson, which achieves an EPA estimated 26 MPG city, 33 highway, 29 combined with its base 2.5 MPI 4-cylinder and FWD. This MPG becomes higher with Tucson's available HTRAC AWD; however, the 1-3 MPG less estimated MPG of the Tucson may be considered significant to some potential buyers, affecting the ongoing fuel savings along the life of the vehicle. Regarding the potential performance increases with AWD, it is suggested that the Rogue may still retain higher fuel efficiency with its available Intelligent AWD. This is because the AWD system is available on all 2023 Rogue trims, while the Tucson's gains to MPG via HTRAC AWD are exclusive improvements to more expensive models, starting with the Sport trim. A purely fuel-efficient gain to AWD in the Rogue, the available AWD hybrid system promises to deliver extra traction and stability without losing too much ground in fuel efficiency. This is in contrast to the Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid models, which are more focused on types of higher powertrain performance and power efficiency in comparison to their base 2.5L model. With clear net losses in fuel efficiency at respective combined 1 and 3 MPG less, the AWD Tucson Hybrids may not measure up as economic choices compared to the AWD Rogue. Any possible comparison between the Nissan Rogue's AWD hybrid and e-power series hybrid is difficult, as there has been no announcement of an e-POWER AWD system in Rogue markets as of model year 2023.

4. Safety and Driver Assistance

Nissan Rogue has to offer many advanced features in terms of safety. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 will come as a standard with the base S model. This is huge because Nissan is currently the only brand that makes it so that none of their vehicles leave the factory floor without the full suite of safety features. This alone could be a serious selling point. The safety shield includes several features, including automatic front and rear emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This is a step up from last year as these features became available in the SV premium package starting with 2021 models. Another new feature for this year's Rogue is the intelligent forward collision warning, which can now recognize two vehicles in front of you. Lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert are also included. High beam assist and rear automatic braking round out the Safety Shield 360. Mid-level SV and SL models have an optional ProPilot Assist that comes with intelligent cruise control and makes driving on the highway even easier by assisting with steering. The ProPilot Assist with intelligent cruise control includes steering assist and stop and hold. This is somewhat of a hands-free driving system, but it's important to note that the driver's hands are supposed to remain on the wheel. If the system detects no steering wheel input for a certain period of time, it will turn off and notify the driver. This might seem like a lot of beeping, but Nissan's system is considered to be one of the least intrusive compared to ones offered by other brands. This is also augmented by a heads-up display that makes the system's status and alerts better noticeable.

4.1. Nissan Rogue's safety features

First of all, Nissan's Safety Shield 360 is offered as standard, which in itself is a huge advantage against Tucson. It provides the Rogue with features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. This is a huge win for Rogue as not only is Safety Shield 360 standard, not all these features are available on every Tucson. Rear emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning are only available on the Tucson's most expensive Calligraphy trim level. So more safety features will be available with Rogue's base models than any Tucson. All trim levels of Rogue come equipped with 10 standard airbags, where Tucson only offers these on more expensive trim levels. Side airbags are also available in the rear of the Rogue and are not offered in Tucson. This allows Rogue to offer more complete protection for its passengers in the event of a collision. Another standard safety feature that all Rogues come with is rear door alert. This is designed to remind you to check the back seat after you park. It will give you an audible and visual alert so you do not walk away from the vehicle potentially forgetting something important such as a child or pet. Last but not least is Rogue's Intelligent Around View Monitor. This includes moving object detection and is a fantastic feature to help prevent collisions with objects or people around the car when parking. The Intelligent Around View Monitor and moving object detection are only available on certain Tucson trim levels. Across the board, the Rogue offers the same standard safety features across all available trim levels. With the Tucson, certain advanced safety features are only available on the most expensive trim level. When purchasing a new family vehicle, nothing beats peace of mind that you will be as safe as possible for many miles and years to come. With the Rogue, there are loads of safety features to help protect you in the event of a collision and prevent one from happening. These attributes combined with the higher safety ratings from IIHS make the Nissan Rogue best in class for safety when compared to the Hyundai Tucson. In defense of the Tucson, the most compelling statement made is that the most expensive Calligraphy trim level of the Tucson is available with H-Trac AWD and costs less than the most expensive Rogue, which offers the same Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Availability of AWD is a plus for those who live in snowy or rainy climates. This is mostly a case of apples and oranges as the Rogue with the AWD and SV trim still costs less and offers more.

4.2. Hyundai Tucson's safety features

The 2022 Tucson has a remote engine immobilizer, panic alarm, and remote keyless entry system with folding key and remote illuminated entry. A feature the Tucson offers that is not a conventional safety feature is Blue Link Connected Car Service complimentary for three years. This is not available on the base SE or midrange SEL trim but is available on the Value and above trims. This is a safety feature adjacent because "Safe Car" with Blue Link provides the driver with a monthly vehicle diagnostics report. It, along with "SOS Emergency Assistance," also provides an automatic collision notification and assistance request in the event of a collision. This also allows motorists to keep track of the vehicle and the driver to set safety assistance and maintenance reminders for specified intervals. Customers will also get peace of mind through Control, Secure, and Save features during potentially unsafe or precarious driving situations with the ability to slow down or immobilize the vehicle with the help of a representative and the ability to record the vehicle's driving history and location. This will give the driver a discount on insurance by showing evidence of safe driving and provide a way to track the vehicle in the event of theft or unauthorized use.

The Tucson has a total of six airbags. This includes front airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for the front and rear seat passengers. There are also seat-mounted airbags for the driver and front passenger.

Hyundai SmartSense includes a series of advanced driver assistance systems that are active safety features such as an outdoor mirror for safety. Hyundai SmartSense features include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, smart cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and park distance warning. This is a more comprehensive suite than Nissan offers on the Rogue, which requires a higher trim level for some of the features.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Tucson a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA's website. The Tucson was given four stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test, and four stars in the rollover test. The NHTSA did the crash tests on the 2021 Tucson.

For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS gave the Tucson top ratings of "good" in six crash tests. It was also given a "superior" rating for its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system. The IIHS evaluates vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention systems separately. Currently, the IIHS only rates the headlights on the gas-powered Tucson models. The top Limited and Hybrid Limited trims have "good" rated LED projector headlights. The other gas-powered trims have "poor" rated headlights. The Tucson's LATCH child seat system was given a "marginal" rating.

4.3. Comparison of driver assistance systems

Nissan's ProPilot systems are similar but function a little differently than Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist and Park Assist. The 2023 Nissan Rogue features ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, while the 2023 Hyundai Tucson comes with Highway Drive Assist, automatic cruise control, and parking assist. Nissan's system can provide what they call "hands-on driver assistance" that helps keep the vehicle centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, and can even help the vehicle automatically adjust speed based on posted speed limits on the road and curves. In a sense, all the driver would need to do is proactively monitor the situation and take over if necessary. When it comes to parking aid, both systems provide assistance in the form of helping the driver to find and maneuver the vehicle in and out of parking spots. However, Hyundai's system has a remote smart parking feature which can be used to help park or retrieve the vehicle in or out of tight parking spots via the push of a button on the smart key.