2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its modern Lincoln face and three-row midsize SUV design. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid version, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Aviator's interior was lavish, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner, though some chrome detailing appeared less premium. The Black Label Grand Touring model, with its ambient lighting and electric door handles, aimed to provide an effortless and inviting experience, despite some design elements that seemed overly intricate.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent a significant styling update, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The Rogue's exterior featured a new, larger grille and redesigned taillight elements, with different wheel designs for each trim level. Inside, the Rogue boasted a more premium feel with a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and improved materials across the interior. The Platinum model offered leather seats with quilted stitching, enhancing its upscale appeal. While the Rogue's interior design was commendable, its ride quality was compromised by a firmer suspension, which did not translate into better handling.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, despite its additional 800 pounds of weight. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's various driving modes allowed for a balance between efficiency and performance, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The SUV's handling was commendable, with an adaptive suspension that provided a smooth ride, but it lacked the excitement of a sportier vehicle.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed many of its competitors, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without improving handling. While the engine's performance was notable, the overall driving experience was less impressive, with a droning exhaust note detracting from the experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seating was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals. Its cargo capacity was 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Rogue's optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and it featured a power liftgate on higher trims. The center console offered additional storage, though accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. However, the outdated Sync 3 software struggled with voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. The Aviator also included wireless charging and a digital key system, enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to include Google built-in software, providing integrated Google Maps and Assistant. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the system was occasionally slow to boot. The Rogue also included multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance, though it required driver engagement.