2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum trim boasted a 19-inch machined-finish look and additional black exterior trim, including an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with a new Chestnut brown color and quilted stitching, contributing to a more upscale cabin experience.

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV, with its oversized grille, aerodynamically honed flanks, and athletic proportions. The long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline gave the X3 a sporty look. The test model featured Arctic Race Blue paint, complemented by machined surface wheels, gloss black M Sport details, and Calm Beige upholstery. The Veganza artificial leather, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, closely resembled real leather. The X3's cabin, while not overly fancy, offered quality materials in expected areas, though some lower cabin plastics revealed its price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875, making it a competitive option against rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, which allowed it to vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. With 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, the Rogue's engine outperformed many competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, and the suspension in the Rogue Platinum test car felt firmer than expected, affecting ride quality. While the engine's performance was impressive, the exhaust note was less so, and the Rogue's handling did not match its sporty aspirations.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve was impressive, providing peak torque and horsepower across a broad range. The X3 also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing responsiveness and fuel economy. The M50 xDrive model offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality on imperfect roads was less comfortable.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences mainly in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue's cargo space measured 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, offering less space than some competitors. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the Rogue featured a molded-in space for grocery bags and available power liftgate options. The center console provided additional storage, though accessing it could be awkward.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with power-adjustable front seats featuring Veganza artificial leather and optional ventilation. The dashboard housed a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage, and a temporary spare tire. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger configurations.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly with the infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the user experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue also offered multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims, with an extended free trial period for Nissan Connect Services.

The 2025 BMW X3 introduced the iDrive 9 operating system, an evolution of iDrive 8.5, with a Quick Select user experience. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze or became unresponsive, and the default Guest profile lacked access to certain features. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly. The test vehicle's infotainment system had some frustrating quirks, but these may have been specific to the test vehicle or user error.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and rear automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist, which added automated lane centering for highway driving.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in the frontal-impact crash test.