Explore nips, tucks, and the latest cutting-edge features when we compare the 2024 Chevy Equinox vs the 2024 Nissan Rogue. Both are modestly priced, modestly sized SUVs competing in the same market segment. How different are they from each other?
From the recent 2024 Rogue refresh, it’s easy to see Nissan is a bit nervous about how their compact crossover stacks up against the Chevy Equinox, which carries the title of #1 in New Vehicle Quality from J.D. Power two years in a row (2022-2023). On the other hand, the Rogue was awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in 2023. The 2024 Equinox delivers fresh standard features across its four trims, including heated seating, a hands-free power liftgate, and Teen Driver Technology. The 2024 Rogue is armed with a facelift that delivers a newly designed grille and fascias both in the front and back. Clearly, each SUV has a lot going for it.
Punched-Up Performance And Power Plays
It’s small but mighty. The Chevy Equinox is so confident when it comes to its performance that it only needs one power train—a peppy 175 hp, 1.5L Turbocharged engine paired with a capable six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine was new to the Equinox in 2023, with five extra horsepower. Not only does the Equinox provide a smooth ride that helps you conquer rough patches, but it makes every ride an adventure.
The 2024 Nissan Rogue has a solid powertrain as well, with a respectable 201 hp, 1.5L turbocharged engine. It’s a powerful engine—especially for three cylinders—but not a new one. It is the same engine that has been in Rogues for the past several model years. In the 2024 model, it is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which contributes to a smooth, shift-free ride.
Both SUVs offer available all-wheel drive to increase function and performance on uneven or slippery terrain.
Exterior Curves
Everyone wants an SUV that is more than a pretty face, but looks are still important. Right off the bat, you notice the Chevy Equinox’s signature sporty good looks that appeal to both urban-dwelling commuters and suburban families on the go. Its good looks tell you it’s a Chevy. The signature bold grille can be enhanced when you opt for the sleek Midnight Edition or the refined Redline Edition, both of which transform the grille into a statement. Available in either glossy black or chrome, the grille design options add an extra touch to the Equinox to keep it feeling fresh. We also can’t help but comment on the sweeping cat-eye headlamps of the Equinox that give it an exciting touch.
The Rogue had its exterior updated with Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille for a bold, urban look that drivers are sure to find pleasing. The design gives the Rogue a distinct face that helps it stand out from the crowd. The model also saw nips and tucks done to its front and rear fascias to help it stand out from past models. The satin chrome badging adds to the Rogue’s understated design.
The two SUVs are offered with some bold exterior colors to show off a driver’s unique tastes. The Equinox has two new colors in 2024 that include vibrant Riptide Blue Metallic and a rich Lakeshore Blue Metallic. Drivers can choose from six other hues that range from classic Summit White to bold Mosaic Black Metallic. The Rogue has a slightly more limited color palette, which includes Everest White Pearl, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, and Baja Storm. If having a large number of exterior color options is a priority for you, the Equinox has you covered.
A Clash of Comfort And Convenience
There’s no doubt that both of these SUVs have been designed to appeal to drivers looking for plenty of comfort and convenience on four tires, but which is better? Which model will make your commute less of a grind?
Open up the four doors of the Equinox and slide into an airy cabin that offers ample head and leg room for up to five passengers across two rows. We love the smart and practical design of the new Equinox. Not only does it offer a wide tailgate that makes it easy to access rear cargo storage, but the standard hidden rear floor compartment adds additional security and lets you keep valuables away from prying eyes. It’s also a great place to keep essentials like a roadside repair kit on hand if and when you need them. Split 60/40 second-row seating that folds flat allows you to make use of every inch of cargo space.
The Equinox’s supportive seating keeps everyone feeling good, and there is standard heated seating in the LT and RS trims. As for the cabin material, the durable nature of the Equinox makes it ideal for families on the go who want plenty of style that isn’t hard to clean. Cloth upholstery comes standard at the entry level, while drivers can upgrade to leather in higher trims. The Equinox’s range of choices make it easy and affordable to keep it basic or upgrade for more sophistication.
Like the Equinox, the Nissan Rogue delivers two rows that seat up to five. The 2024 Rogue attempts to add a little extra elegance to the typical family SUV with a variety of color palettes and cloth or quilted leather seats. It offers its own form of under-seat storage with its available Divide-N-Hide system that is made to hold small valuables or other small essential items. That’s really convenient, but it would be even better if it were a standard feature.
The Rogue also offers split 60/40 seats that fold flat when you need to make use of the cabin’s maximum cargo space. Both models feature two forms of a Power Liftgate. For the Equinox drivers, a Power Liftgate comes standard on the LT trim, and a Hands-Free Power Liftgate is standard on higher trims like the Premier. Expect a Power Liftgate standard with the Rogue on the SV trim or higher. You can upgrade to an available Motion-Activated Power Liftgate on the SL or Platinum trims to open the hatch when your hands are full. All these features are extremely convenient. The question is, which come standard and which come at an additional cost?
Smart SUVs
Part of a comfortable, non-oppressive commute is connectivity. Today’s drivers want to be able to access traffic information, listen to their favorite music, or catch up on a book that they’ve been meaning to read. The Chevy Equinox offers a standard eight-inch digital touchscreen. It also comes standard with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. These systems allow drivers to seamlessly connect their phones with their cars to create a personalized driving experience. For further convenience, connect with available Amazon Alexa to access your Amazon account, shop using just your voice, and use compatible at-home tech. We also love that wireless charging is available or can be unlocked as a standard feature when you upgrade to the high-end Premier trim.
The Nissan Rogue also offers a standard eight-inch screen. This year marks the first time that Google built-in has been offered for the higher-end Rogue trims. It allows drivers to access Google apps, make internet searches, and even catch up on your reality shows (once you’re parked). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all trims to make it easy for drivers to stay connected. Both the Equinox and the Rogue feature available Wi-Fi hotspots.
The two SUVs come with their own versions of safety packages to help keep drivers focused and aware of the road around them. Both models have a form of automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, and smart high-beam technology. In addition, Chevy has gone a step above and beyond with its standard Teen Driver Technology. This tech can be priceless by giving parents extra peace of mind. The system allows parents to set limits on things like speed and audio levels and delivers a digital report card to ensure their teen develops safe driving habits when they’re driving solo.
Chevy Goes The Extra Mile
It’s evident that while both SUVs have their perks, the 2024 Chevy Equinox has more of them as standard features. It offers better balance when it comes to standard storage, overall quality, and options for drivers to pick and choose the perfect model for their preferences and their budget.
The Nissan Rogue has some excellent interior design features, and for a price, you can upgrade for a larger touchscreen, leather seating, or a hands-free power liftgate. However, on the Equinox, many of these features are standard, either on the entry-level or high-end trims.
As of this writing, the entry-level 2024 Chevy Equinox base price is $26,000, whereas Kelley Blue Book estimates the Nissan Rogue will be around $28,800. We’ll have to wait and see, but as of this moment, Chevy seems to be a stronger choice. The Equinox does a great job when it comes to delivering a balanced model that offers a loaded cabin along with plenty of additional features that upgrade your driving experience as you see fit. With Chevy, you just get more bang for your buck, which is something all drivers across the board can certainly appreciate.
