2023 Nissan Rogue vs. 2023 Honda CR-V: Beware of the hype

Across the industry, there are some excellent models. Some have a reputation they deserve, others an overrated reputation. Others don't have the reputation they deserve. This is the case of the 2023 Nissan Rogue.

As for the 2023 Honda CR-V, redesigned this year, its reputation is neither overrated nor entirely deserved. It's somewhere in between. It's a great vehicle, but it's not the most dominant in its class. In fact, the Nissan Rogue has nothing to envy it, as the following points will show you.

Fuel efficiency

Honda is coming up with a hybrid version for the year 2023. Yes, on paper, that gives it an edge. But be careful what you say about that. The model is going to sell for more money, especially since it's going to sit at the top of the hierarchy.

With the Rogue, you have two mechanical choices. The base engine remains a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, a unit that offers 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, but more importantly, a really impressive fuel economy rating. Then, a new 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine made its debut this year, and it delivers on fuel economy and power with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.

On that front, it's equal from company to company, but for fuel economy, considering the small difference (about 1.0 to 1.5 liters) between a Honda hybrid and the performance of Nissan engines, it will take years to recoup the initial expense. Honda hasn't announced its ratings yet, but we can imagine something around 6 L/100 km. With the Rogue's powertrains, however, it's easy to maintain an average of about 7.0 L/100 km, 7.5 L/100 km in the worst case scenario.

The difference is small and considering the rest of what's offered, it's not enough to tip the scales in favor of the Honda model.

The rest?

And what are we referring to when we say the rest? To elements that put the Rogue in a class of its own in this category. The first is the balance of the ride, a perfect marriage between sportiness, comfort and handling. With the CR-V, we know that comfort will be there, but when it comes to the other two aspects, nothing is certain.

The second is style. Honda's designs are evolving timidly, so much so that this CR-V will be mistaken for the old one. With the Rogue, there is a clear difference from one generation to the next and the design language is evolving. The current generation is magnificent in terms of style.

The third one has to do with the luxury of the model. Once again, Nissan has left nothing on the table with the Rogue, so we find a multimedia screen with clear, simple graphics and a user-friendly interface. Honda is doing the right thing, that's for sure. However, don't look for a 10.8-inch head-up display with the CR-V; you'll find it with the Rogue. Don't expect your ears to be seduced by Honda's audio system, but do expect them to marvel at the sound of the speakers throughout the Rogue. And what about the "zero gravity" seats found in Nissan? Let's not blame Honda here; let's just point out the superiority of Nissan's technology in this regard.

Really, we invite you to play the comparison game. You too will realize that the Rogue is a step ahead of the new Honda CR-V.