2025 Nissan Rogue vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was available in five trims, with the SV trim being particularly popular due to its balance of features and price. Priced at $30,930, excluding destination charges, the SV trim offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate, among other features. The Platinum trim, which was the focus of our test drive, came with optional all-wheel drive and was loaded with luxury features such as semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in capability was a highlight, offering seamless navigation and connectivity. The Rogue's exterior, finished in Champagne Silver Metallic with an optional two-tone color combo, featured a sporty design with a large grille and sleek 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, offered a luxurious experience with some updates for the model year. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid trim, which we tested, featured a standard panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels. The exterior design retained the large spindle grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the interior offered multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. However, the material quality was not up to luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though not necessarily an improvement. The TX provided a comfortable ride with ample space, but the interior details left room for improvement.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, which provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that delivered power smoothly to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive available as an option. While the Rogue's performance was not particularly thrilling, the CVT was refined, and the steering was light and accurate. The braking system was smooth and responsive, making the Rogue a practical choice for those seeking a comfortable and efficient compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered a robust 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 engine and hybrid system. The TX offered multiple driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, allowing for flexibility in different driving conditions. The ride was smooth and quiet, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, and the Trail Mode enhanced performance on slippery surfaces. While the TX was not designed for sporty driving, it offered a comfortable and capable ride for long journeys.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was well-designed, with quilted leather seating and a user-friendly layout. The steering wheel was chunky and ergonomic, and the controls were easily accessible without relying solely on the touchscreen. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, and the rear legroom was competitive at 38.5 inches. The cargo space measured 31.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a versatile Divide-and-Hide storage system. The Rogue offered creative storage solutions, including a compartment beneath the center console for valuables or small items.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, such as multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The second row featured captain’s chairs with a removable center console, while the third row offered ample space for adults. However, folding the second row flat was cumbersome due to a series of levers. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The climate controls were mostly on the screen, with physical dials for temperature adjustments. The cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet available with all seats in place, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in the base trims, while the upper trims boasted a larger 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation was particularly useful, and the ProPilot system allowed for hands-free operation on pre-mapped roads. A wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the base of the center console, ensuring devices stayed charged during the drive.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch touchscreen that was responsive but had some quirks, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons were multifunctional but confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The backup camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system offered automated parking assistance. The TX was equipped with multiple USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with the 2024 model scoring well in IIHS tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display and ProPilot Assist systems.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like forward collision warning and lane centering. The adaptive cruise control was effective, though setup was complicated. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star NHTSA ratings, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score in some tests.