If there’s one certainty in the automotive marketplace, it’s the implementation of names that generate excitement and intrigue. When it comes to the various SUVs that are produced every year, the long list of names that stand out from one another is a list that seems to be ever-growing. The current model year sees this tradition continue and is part of the examination we’re presenting here today. The terms “Rogue” and “Equinox” are both equal in their origins. The former implies a dastardly fiend, the latter a momentous shift concerning the gravitational pull of the earth’s rotation. The intricacies of the English language aside, today we’ll be exploring two models who share these namesakes. The comparison in question takes the form of the 2023 Chevy Equinox vs 2023 Nissan Rogue. Only one may triumph, so let us begin.
A Matter of Style
Despite our best efforts to prove the contrary, we’re a society that places great emphasis on style and presentation, and when it comes to vehicles we drive, this is especially true. While many drivers place a strong emphasis on practicality, no one is interested in owning an eyesore and would like to make a remarkable first impression wherever they go. Both the Equinox and Rogue have remarkably similar exteriors that more or less live up to the expectation of what an SUV might look like. So, to make a comparison in terms of style, we need to get behind the wheel.
Nissan has always had a reputation for being ahead of the curve in terms of technological advances. The 2023 Rogue certainly illustrates the brand’s ability to flex their stylistic muscle when the situation calls for it. As a matter of fact, the interior of the Rogue has more in common with Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand. A two-toned color scheme of black and tan creates a luxurious aesthetic that’s pleasing to the eye. With its digital cluster, an infotainment screen atop the dashboard, and available trip-zone climate control, Nissan is giving some of the more luxurious brands some real competition.
Chevy takes a different approach with their interior design, opting for practicality over appearance. The standard 7-inch infotainment screen is embedded in the dash at the same level as the steering wheel, providing user-friendly access to the driver. Similar to the Rogue, the Equinox utilizes a two-toned color scheme that’s inviting and reinforces the down-to-earth practicality that the brand has always been known for.
Performance and Versatility
One of the reasons for the SUVs’ distinctive rise in popularity in the past several years is the versatility that the vehicle represents. For family-oriented consumers, they have a reliable form of transportation that can carry cargo, both human and otherwise. For those who favor adventure, towing capability and AWD is essential for following the less traveled path. Both the Equinox and the Rogue offer unique drivetrains that benefit either situation, so let’s take a look underneath the hood.
What the Rogue and Equinox have in common is that both models are equipped with a single powertrain across all levels of trim. For the Nissan Rogue, this takes the form of a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine which equips Nissan’s SUV with 201 hp. This engine is, in turn, matched with Nissan’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which makes it function rather well in the stop-and-go traffic patterns of city driving. This is apparent in the favorable test results conducted by the EPA. The Nissan Rogue achieves 30 MPG when traveling in the city and 37 on the highway for a combined total of 33 MPG. AWD is also available, and the Rogue can only tow 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
While the Nissan Rogue focuses more on being an ideal family choice with conservative fuel consumption, Chevy combines both practicality and performance in their solitary powertrain. The powertrain in question takes the form of a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Capable of pushing out 175 hp, the engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not as conservative with its fuel consumption as the Rogue, the Equinox isn’t a gas hog by any means. The Equinox achieves 26 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway, which comes to a combined average of 28 MPG. The Equinox also offers the same towing power of 1,500 lbs.
Standard Safety
Every year, the safety and driving assistance features from different manufacturers continue to evolve, becoming more advanced and intuitive. As one looks across the scope of the industry, many features bear similar likenesses to one another. Rather than list the features and provide discourse on each one, we’ve decided to take a look at what Chevy and Nissan are making standard for the 2023 model year. Making technology more accessible to consumers and not attaching a hefty price tag to it is a sign that a company wants to better the lives of its customers.
At the time of this publication, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not conducted collision testing on the 2023 Nissan Rogue. However, testing conducted for the 2022 model year showed a favorable result, with the NHTSA awarding the vehicle a four-star safety rating. As for 2023, Nissan offers quite a few standard features to ensure oversight in terms of having a safer commute. Automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection are both standard and do a lot to maximize reaction time before impact. Nissan’s intelligent driver alertness technology is essential, as it helps deter fatigued driving by monitoring the driver’s steering patterns.
The Chevy Equinox offers many similar standard features via its Chevy Safety Assist suite and, for the 2023 model year, has received the coveted five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Like the Rogue, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian braking are standard. Chevy also includes lane keep assist and lane departure warning, which are both very important for those who plan on utilizing the Equinox for doing any towing. All vehicles manufactured by GM also come with Teen Driver technology, a program that allows parents to have oversight and supervision over the driving habits of the younger drivers of the household.
The Final Verdict
Now that we’ve examined the different aspects of each vehicle, we now ask ourselves which one is the superior model. In our opinion, the choice should hinge upon what you plan on using the vehicle for. If you call the city home and prefer comfort for you and your family, we feel that the Nissan Rogue is the appropriate choice. With its three-cylinder engine and CVT, the vehicle thrives in conditions that require a lot of stop-and-go traffic. Its luxurious interior is also excellent for family-friendly comfort.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can assist you in embarking upon adventures while providing the versatility you need, then we definitely feel that the Chevy Equinox is a much better choice. While it lacks the sophisticated interior, the Equinox thrives on one of Chevy’s most endearing qualities; practicality. It allows for a comfortable ride, the ability to go off-roading on the weekends, and includes a considerable amount of safety assurance which is priceless. It all comes down to what you need in a vehicle. And, thanks to some of the information we’ve presented here today, you can hopefully make an informed decision that will enhance your travels moving forward.
