2025 Acura MDX vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. It featured a new, larger grille that complemented its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned taillight elements. The Rogue SV got a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum trim boasted 19-inch wheels with a machined finish and more black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue Platinum offered a premium feel with leather seats, quilted stitching, and a new Chestnut brown color option.

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling modifications, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened lights. Most versions received new wheel designs, enhancing the sporty look. Interior changes were more significant, with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims received seats from the Type S model, while the Type S got a new design. Enhanced sound insulation improved cabin quietness, though the gloss black plastic trim was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This VC-Turbo engine could vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. Despite its impressive engine, the Rogue's CVT was slow to transfer power, and its firm suspension degraded ride quality without improving handling. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The MDX provided a smooth, comfortable ride with various driving modes, though fuel economy dropped in Sport mode. It handled well on twisty roads, with some brake fade noted during testing. The MDX wasn't designed for off-roading, offering limited ground clearance.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded. It featured the optional Divide-N-Hide system for flexible cargo storage and a power liftgate on higher trims. The center console offered additional storage, though accessing it was awkward.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs in the Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench or individual seats, with a pass-through to the third row. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The MDX provided ample in-cabin storage and a manual operation for folding seats.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen on SL and Platinum models. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to include Google built-in, providing integrated Google Maps and Assistant. It also offered multiple USB ports and an extended trial for Nissan Connect Services.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous touchpad interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgraded sound system. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital display and a 10.5-inch head-up display. The surround-view camera system was available on higher trims, enhancing parking assistance.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was available on higher trims, offering lane centering and adaptive cruise control.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured AcuraWatch with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. AcuraWatch 360 debuted on the Type S Advance, adding front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX maintained a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with no IIHS ratings available at the time.