2023 Hyundai Tucson Vs. Nissan Rogue - Crossover Review | Jim Gilberts Wheels and Deals

Welcome, everyone! It's Peter, and today we'll be exploring the Hyundai Tucson N Line and comparing it with the Nissan Rogue SV. Both vehicles are interesting and exceptional in their own way, standing out from the usual sales volume leaders, the RAV4 and CR-V. The Tucson N Line focuses on its cool, overt styling features that instantly grab your attention. On the other hand, Nissan's design is understated but doesn't compromise on its quality, making it a legitimate contender for the sales leaders. Both models have hidden gems waiting to be explored.

You'll find me here, in Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals, where we have a variety of vehicles, mostly new. However, today we'll be exploring two vehicles that are nearly new, and we'll compare them alongside other models in the same class. If you have any questions about either of these vehicles or vehicles in this class, drop a comment, and I'll make a video just for you. And if you're in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and want to see them in person, this is the channel for you.

Jim Gilbert's Wheels Deals is the affectionately dubbed Canada's Huggable Car Dealer, and it's no wonder why! Let's get started with our review. We'll begin by taking a look at the overt styling and delving into what's under the hood. The Hyundai model sports some pretty cool daytime running lights (not to be confused with the headlights), which light up the entire dash and grill when not in use - they actually blend right into the regular grill and hardly standout.

Moving on to the focus of our review, both models boast quality LED headlights, which are down low and positioned to be extremely bright without being distracting to other drivers. The bright white of the LED light gives you a clean cut-off, while the color provides a natural daylight hue that helps your brain identify what it's seeing. These lower-mounted lights illuminate signs above your vehicle and offer a wider spread of light - a clever feature that's surely appreciated by drivers. Moreover, both models come with cameras facing forward - yet another valuable feature that enhances the overall driving experience.

Both these cars come equipped with cameras to allow them to see what's in front and prepare for emergency stops if needed. They both have lane detection, with different methods, which we will cover momentarily. The Rogue has an extra camera while the Tucson impresses with a 360-degree camera in its SV model, presenting a bird's eye view of the vehicle when parking. Meanwhile, the Tucson has that feature available on higher trim levels. As for their back end, you can tell where they each fall in their respective lineups, with the Rogue being more ostentatious in its design and the Tucson opting for a more subtle approach. Both cars belong to mid-line trims, but you still have some exciting features available even on this level. With standard backup cameras and sleek styling, there's no skimping on the details. We'll dive deeper into the trunk specifics in a moment, but let's take notice of the helpful dots located here and there.

On the exterior right side of the vehicle, there's a beep sound alert which intensifies as you approach an obstacle, until ultimately turning into a continuous tone to signal you're near. While many argue that this feature is irrelevant with the presence of a camera system, the backup beeper never hurts. It helps remind you of any impending danger and caution you about incoming collisions. Though the midline Tucson features a red stripe with two little dots which wrongly suggest this feature, the higher trims offer actual surveillance. Additionally, the midline trims do not have an automatic tailgate; the trunk requires a manual opening. Yet, both the Rogue and Tucson offer ample trunk space thanks to its broad square openings, minimal wheel intrusions with tie-downs on each seat and a 60-40 foldable rear seat. The Rogue further presents a cargo blind for smooth cargo handling and a solid floor concealing treasure space with a spare tire.

At first glance, the vehicle bears resemblance to the swooping, styled look of others from its family. But when you step inside, you'll find that it's even more spacious and rather boxy. Don't let that fool you, though. This crossover has ample room for cargo and passengers alike, with tether points for up to three child seats. It's incredibly functional, too - the seats fold down easily, and there are handy tie-downs and a 12-volt port. 

Need more space? Lower the already-thin floor by another inch to squeeze in taller items. It's a great feature if you're looking to maximize every inch of the already-generous trunk space. Speaking of which, you'll find that both this and the Tucson come with flush roof rails, allowing you to carry plenty of outdoor gear with ease. 

Now let's talk about the backseat. What really stands out is how the door wraps around the door sill area. This smart design means you won't get dirt on your clothes as you're getting in and out. Overall, both vehicles excel when it comes to cargo space, and they're ready to help you hit the road with all your equipment.

Let's start with a comparison of the interiors of two vehicles: the Rogue and the Tucson. The Rogue has a remarkable 90-degree opening door, making it easier to load child seats and for passengers with mobility needs to get in and out. The Tucson door doesn't open as wide, making it more difficult to load bulky items. 

Both vehicles have cloth interiors, brown tinged on the Rogue for a stylish touch. The Rogue includes pockets, air vents, and USB ports. The armrest in the Rogue's middle console provides two cup holders. The Tuscon has the same setups, excluding the USB ports which are of a different type.

The Tuscon has plastic backed seats, ideal if traveling with kids as they can be easily wiped down while remaining clean. Nonetheless, the Rogue's cloth seats may be convenient as well. 

After comparing the designs, it’s important to compare the vehicles' seating for a six foot tall passenger in the rear seat. Let me give you an overview of the Tucson and Rogue, two small crossovers I recently had the chance to test drive. 

Starting with the Tucson, the interior oozes style and sophistication. The black trim, punctuated by red stitching, is a definite head-turner. But what's even more impressive is the amount of legroom. Unlike other small crossovers, the seat is flush to my legs, providing a comfortable ride. And if you're skeptical about the Tucson's size, let me tell you, it has definitely grown in length over the years. In fact, there's ample space in the cargo area, as well as the backseat.

Now, let's not forget the panoramic roof. Imagine driving down the street, with the sun blazing down on you, as you take in the world around you. Yeah, that's how awesome it is.

Switching gears to the Rogue, this vehicle is definitely the boxier of the two. Though it may lack headroom compared to the Tucson, it's still a solid choice. The panoramic roof is a nice touch, but it doesn't extend as far back as the Tucson's. One drawback, however, is the height of the seat. When I extend my legs, I feel like I'm sitting a bit too high. Don't get me wrong, it's not unbearable, but it's something to keep in mind.

Overall, both the Tucson and Rogue have their pros and cons. It comes down to personal preference. But I highly recommend test driving both crossovers for yourself to find out which one suits you best.

Although leg space was once limited in small class vehicles, both of these recently redesigned models provide ample room to stretch out. As for the front seats of the Nissan Rogue, the remote start button can be found at the top of a small, compact key. Keyless entry and push button start make for a streamlined experience, and the cloth seats are power-adjustable with lumbar support. While the brown and gray trim may look standoutish on camera, in person it offers a subtle yet pleasing contrast. The Rogue's gauges are standard, but the display in the middle is sleek and modern.

Although the graphics aren't top-notch, they're functional enough. Let me turn off the climate system for a moment so we can take it all in. The display has a lot going on, from safety systems to four-wheel drive setups. Everything is presented clearly, despite some flickering on camera. Note that this happens only on film; the clarity is actually pretty decent. The backup camera is particularly noteworthy. It shows a clear image, and this bird's eye view is especially helpful in a crossover, given the vehicle's height. On the subject of height, peep the heated rump rests down below and the heated steering wheel up top. Besides those luxuries, this vehicle is loaded with safety systems, including smart cruise control. But what piques my interest is this small button over here - no, not the heated steering wheel. It's kind of like a self-steering function.

The vehicle can pick up on lane markers and automatically steer to keep itself centered, but it only works with cruise control. It's important to keep in mind that this is different from other vehicles, like the Hyundai. Taking a closer look, the gear shift is rather unique and the center console opens in a unique way. Despite its differences, the car boasts comfortable seats, great visibility, and an attractive combination of materials. Don't be put off by the brown color - it looks different on camera. With its panoramic roof and versatile drive modes, this car is a solid choice worth considering.

The lane detection system can steer the vehicle by following the markers ahead to keep the vehicle centred in its designated lane. But note that this function only works while on cruise control. In contrast, the Hyundai features a unique gear shift with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, granting drivers manual control of the vehicle's gears. The dashboard includes a range of drive modes, from snowy climates to off-road adventures. The vehicle does come with eco and sport mode options as well. The center console has a unique design that opens differently than most cars, yet it is surprisingly deep. The interior is impressively comfortable and comes with leather seating and soft metallic textures throughout. The panoramic sunroof's shade can cover the car to reduce glare on hot days. Overall, this Tucson is worth test driving to get a sense of all its features.

This vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as a higher-tech view that replaces traditional knobs with buttons. The automatic dual-zone climate control system has been enhanced, and the unique diffuse button allows air to be distributed evenly around the car. Additionally, there are two USB ports, not USB-C, and a 12-volt port. The vehicle's heated seats and steering wheel, as well as its drive and terrain modes, are comparable to those of the Hyundai Tucson. The gear shift is unique in that it is push-button, which frees up storage space. It's worth noting that, unlike in the Nissan Rogue, the buttons in this vehicle don't allow for manual shifting.

The Tucson really shines when it comes to its smart cruise control. Similar to the Nissan's Smart cruise control, this is a self-steering feature that Hyundai dubs as the "lane follow assist." It's more precise than their lane-keeping assist and can actively steer the vehicle to keep it centered in the lane, using advanced sensors to detect lane markers. The Tucson can do this even without having cruise control turned on, which can be a useful feature for some drivers.

Inside the Tucson, there's a more sedan-like feel, with stretched-out lines that differentiate it from the taller Rogue. Although physically different, the panoramic roof is similar in function and has different options for shading. This crossover segment has exploded in popularity, with the RAV4 and CR-V leading in sales. However, the Tucson offers unique features and a different seating position worth considering for those looking for an upgrade.

Most small crossovers in this class offer advanced safety features on higher trims. It's important to note that safety on a modern vehicle goes beyond crash performance, so investing extra money in a higher trim is worth it for peace of mind. With all of these options, the decision comes down to individual preference.

Both vehicles excel at crash avoidance, a crucial aspect of a car. However, the CRV and the RAV4 have plain, understated designs compared to the Hyundai Rogue and the upcoming Tucson's end line. The latter delivers on both form and function with a touch of tech, unmistakable style, ample cargo space and features, including robust safety and comfort. 

Choosing between these small crossovers is no easy feat, but you can trust Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals, Canada's Huggable Car Dealer, to guide you impartially and help you compare side by side, by side, by side, by side, and more. The friendly, knowledgeable team is genuinely passionate about your needs and desires, and they care about getting you the car of your dreams. Leave a comment below and subscribe to our channel for more insights on the small crossover segment, and if you're in Fredericton, Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals is the place to be for quality vehicles and outstanding customer service.

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