Which Midsize Suv Reigns Supreme: Nissan Rogue Vs. Chevy Traverse – The Unbiased Comparison

When it comes to choosing a compact SUV, two of the most popular options are the Nissan Rogue and the Chevy Traverse. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Nissan Rogue and the Chevy Traverse head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Efficiency Meets Power

1. Engine Options and Performance:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 248 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 257 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque is also available.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Nissan Rogue: With its smaller engines, the Rogue offers better fuel efficiency than the Traverse. The front-wheel-drive Rogue with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive model gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse, with its more powerful engine, has lower fuel economy ratings. The front-wheel-drive Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive model gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Roomy and Refined

1. Passenger and Cargo Space:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers seating for five passengers and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats. With the second row folded down, cargo space expands to 70.2 cubic feet.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse has a more spacious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers and 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats. With the third row folded down, cargo space increases to 57.8 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded down, it expands to a cavernous 98.2 cubic feet.

2. Interior Features and Comfort:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s interior features a clean and modern design, with a user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable seats. Higher trim levels offer premium features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse’s interior is more upscale, with a more spacious cabin and higher-quality materials. It also offers a wider range of features, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety and Reliability: Protecting What Matters Most

1. Safety Features:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trim levels add features like adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a surround-view camera system.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also comes standard with a rearview camera and a Teen Driver system that allows parents to set limits on their teen’s driving behavior.

2. Reliability:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue has a good reliability rating, with few reported problems. It received a 4 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power for overall reliability.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse has a slightly lower reliability rating than the Rogue, with some reported issues with its infotainment system and transmission. It received a 3 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power for overall reliability.

Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck

1. Starting Price:

• Nissan Rogue: The Nissan Rogue has a lower starting price than the Chevy Traverse. The base S trim level starts at $26,790.
• Chevy Traverse: The Chevy Traverse has a higher starting price than the Nissan Rogue. The base LS trim level starts at $33,700.

2. Value for Money:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers good value for money, with a competitive price point and a long list of standard features.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse offers more space, features, and power than the Rogue, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Nissan Rogue and the Chevy Traverse are both excellent compact SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Rogue is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price, while the Traverse offers more space, features, and power. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Insights

1. Off-Road Capability:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue is not designed for serious off-roading, but it can handle light off-road trails thanks to its available all-wheel drive system.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse offers better off-road capability than the Rogue, thanks to its higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case.

2. Towing Capacity:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
• Chevy Traverse: The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a more capable towing vehicle.

Key Points: The Verdict on Nissan Rogue vs. Chevy Traverse

After a thorough comparison, it’s clear that both the Nissan Rogue and the Chevy Traverse are excellent choices in the compact SUV segment. The Rogue offers a combination of fuel efficiency, affordability, and a comfortable ride, while the Traverse provides more space, features, and power. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue or the Chevy Traverse?

• The Nissan Rogue has better fuel economy than the Chevy Traverse, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Traverse’s 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has more cargo space, the Nissan Rogue or the Chevy Traverse?

• The Chevy Traverse has more cargo space than the Nissan Rogue, with 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats compared to the Rogue’s 39.3 cubic feet.

3. Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Nissan Rogue or the Chevy Traverse?

• The Chevy Traverse has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Rogue, with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque compared to the Rogue’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.