Perhaps one of the most important aspects of any journey is the overall comfort on board, not just for the driver but for everyone along for the ride. Compact SUVs resonate with drivers with their easily manageable sizes and spacious interiors; however, not every compact SUV is the same. Many of them may look alike, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and for the Nissan Rogue and the Chevy Equinox, two of the top-selling models in the industry, drivers can expect two very different experiences.
When it comes to the 2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Chevy Equinox, although both are versatile compact travel companions, it’s clear that there’s a more upscale ambiance in one model over the other. If you’re on the hunt for ultimate comfort and a cabin experience you won’t find elsewhere, you’ll want to pay attention to this comparison between two standout SUVs.
Space and Comfort
Compact SUVs are small, of course; however, that doesn’t mean they can’t offer ample space inside for your fellow travel companions. With room for five, the Nissan Rogue makes it easy to get cozy on board, with 41.5 inches of legroom up front and 38.5 inches in the back. It’s not only spacious but ultra-comfortable, with available features like a driver’s seat memory system, heated seats and a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic temperature control, and a panoramic moonroof to set the mood during your journey. It’s also highly equipped for kids, with car seat-ready seats and rear door sunshades to protect delicate eyes from the bright sun. Semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with quilted stitching give the Rogue an air of extravagance, making it feel as though you’re riding in a much higher-priced vehicle.
The Chevy Equinox exhibits a more practical vibe with simpler materials and less pizzazz throughout. If you want something other than basic, you’ll need to spend more for a top-tier trim. Chevy is proud of the new RS trim, which offers Jet Black cloth seats (leather is extra) with red stitching, black ice chrome accents, and other darkened enhancements. You’ll also find more space in many of its rivals, which means that those seated in the back of the Equinox may feel a bit cramped. The Equinox is touted as being a cheaper option than many other compact SUVs on the streets; however, the Rogue offers plenty more to its drivers for around the same starting price as the Equinox.
When it comes to space and comfort, you need to be able to relax and just enjoy your time on the road. You’ll want to do so through cozy elements that enhance the feel of your drive. The 2023 Nissan Rogue does a great job of combining ample space with desirable styling to elevate the luxury factor inside while also maintaining an affordable price point. Unfortunately for the Equinox, it’s a bit bland and doesn’t offer as much space as others in its class.
Cargo Potential
Both SUVs in this comparison are heralded for their versatility, which makes both the Rogue and the Equinox fit to handle today’s on-the-go drivers. The Rogue offers an impressive amount of cargo space, with its cargo hold able to accommodate up to 74.1 cu.ft. of gear, and with ingenious storage solutions placed strategically throughout, any amount of cargo is no sweat for the Rogue. Perhaps what drivers really love about the Rogue’s storage arrangement is the available Divide-N-Hide cargo system, which configures six distinct ways and offers flexible shelving to handle more gear. Remote-folding rear seats allow you to add even more space to the Rogue, while a motion-activated liftgate is available to help travelers load up by simply kicking their foot under the rear bumper.
The 2023 Equinox is also adequately capable of handling gear; however, it does offer a smaller cargo hold than the Rogue, only able to accommodate up to 63.9 cu.ft. However, it offers folding 60/40 split-bench seats and hidden cargo storage to handle gear without infringing on its occupants’ comfort. Like the Rogue, it offers an available hands-free power liftgate, which comes in handy when your hands are full, and you need to access your cargo hold. Its cargo management system isn’t as sophisticated as the Rogue’s, but then again, the Divide-N-Hide system is one of the most impressive in the industry, so it’s hard to compete with it.
As far as cargo is concerned, the Rogue does a better job of handling all the gear accompanying you on the journey. Its larger cargo hold and legendary cargo management system just can’t be beaten, making the Rogue a top pick for those who require ample cargo solutions. The Equinox just can’t cut it, with its cramped cargo hold and lack of configurable features.
Must-Have Tech
Enjoying the cabin experience isn’t just about comfort and storage solutions; it’s also about all the tech that makes any drive more dialed in and exciting. This is why both compact travelers are loaded with today’s cutting-edge tech to ensure that all on board have the best time on the road. The 2023 Rogue can be equipped with an 8-inch or a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as available wireless smartphone capabilities, wireless charging, and plenty of ways to navigate to your next destination. High-tech displays, in addition to the dazzling touchscreen, include the available 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a head-up display, both of which display helpful information about your ride so that you’re more in tune with the journey.
Drivers of the Equinox can have their pick from either a 7-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, an available Wi-Fi Hotspot, and more add-ons to enhance the ride. Both the Rogue and the Equinox come with their fair share of safety and assistance features to improve your experience on the road, and where the Rogue sets itself apart from the Equinox is with its innovative ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link feature.
This system utilizes freeway mapping to help the Rogue navigate through traffic accurately, automatically adjusting its speed, remaining securely in its lane, and adapting to changes in traffic patterns. Although Chevy offers its Super Cruise hands-free driving capabilities on a number of its vehicles, the Equinox isn’t one of them, which vastly limits its ability to assist you on the road.
It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts
When it comes to the overall cabin experience, it’s clear that the Rogue outshines the Equinox. It’s not only more spacious, both for people and gear, but it also showcases a more elegant ambiance inside with high-quality appointments and a level of refinement that you frequently only find in more expensive options. It also provides enhanced cargo management solutions that you can’t find in rivals, as well as top-of-the-line tech, with bigger touchscreens and more sophisticated assistance technologies.
There’s no doubt that the Equinox is a great competitor in its segment; however, if Chevy is going to tout its ultra-affordable price tag, it should be able to keep up with other vehicles that are priced relatively the same. The Rogue is similarly priced to the Equinox and offers more, and whether it’s tech or comfort that drivers are looking for, their overall experience will be elevated, no matter how long the journey lasts.
