Comparing the Chevy Equinox vs Nissan Rogue: Clash of Compact Contenders

The compact SUV segment has become one of the most fiercely contested arenas in the American automotive marketplace. As you shop for a Chevy Equinox for sale, you’ll learn why it’s Chevrolet’s second-most popular model after the perennially hot-selling Silverado pickup truck. If you’re comparison shopping, you’ll also discover that the Equinox squares off against some commendable competitors from other manufacturers. One of these is the updated 2024 Nissan Rogue. How do the Equinox and the Rogue stack up against one another in this segment? Let’s go to the tale of the tape.

Both vehicles are five-passenger compact crossover SUVs with nearly identical dimensions, making them ideal sparring partners. Curb weights for the base models are almost the same at around 3,500 lbs for both SUVs. The Chevy measures 183.1 inches from nose to tail, 72.6 inches wide, and 65.4 inches tall. The Nissan’s dimensions are 183 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 66.5 inches tall. So, in terms of size and weight, these two SUVs could hardly have been more similar if their designers had secretly copied each other’s blueprints.

Both are a pretty decent size for their category; in fact, Nissan even refers to the Rogue as a “midsize” model. If the Rogue is midsize, then it stands to reason that so is the Equinox, given their nearly identical sizes. But as you’ll see by the categories for the awards they’ve won, most observers still count them as compacts.

When it comes to awards, these competitors are decorated fighters. The 2024 Rogue has won MotorTrend’s #1 Compact SUV award, while Chevy’s champ has won JD Power’s prestigious 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study. This prize signals that the Equinox has had the fewest reported problems in the compact SUV segment over the past three years. So, both of these vehicles punch above their weight in terms of quality and prestige. As an SUV shopper, what can you look at to separate the two in the final judge’s tally?

Under the Hood

Let’s take a look at what motivates both of these contenders in their engine bays. In a compact SUV, most buyers look for an ideal blend of horsepower and efficiency, which is in keeping with the practical mission of this segment. The 2024 Equinox gets its grunt from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine features direct injection and variable valve timing for smooth power delivery across its RPM range. This turbo four is standard across all trim levels and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Rogue also features a 1.5-liter turbocharged motor, but this one is a three-cylinder. Nissan has applied its new VC-Turbo technology to the engine, but the variable compression technology has already instigated NHTSA investigations. Plus, its gearbox is Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT or continuously variable transmission. So keep in mind that it’s an untested three-cylinder versus the Chevy’s proven four if you’re more of a fan of displacement. Also, the Rogue has a CVT instead of an automatic, which isn’t everyone’s favorite transmission type. Although CVTs have come a long way in recent years, some drivers who prefer a sportier driving feel will still prefer automatics over CVTs. Some drivers are wary of the reliability and repair costs of CVTs, too.

All-Wheel Drive Specs

All-wheel drive (AWD) is pretty much expected in this segment, a legacy of the SUV category’s history as four-wheel drive trucks. Both of these vehicles offer AWD systems geared towards handling tough driving conditions.

Chevy calls the Equinox’s system “Switchable AWD,” as this feature can be activated by a switch on the console. The all-wheel drive system always monitors all four wheels and constantly adjusts for the best traction in rain, mud, and other slippery driving conditions. However, if you press the AWD button, then it will send power to all four wheels rather than waiting to detect wheelspin.

The Rogue features an optional intelligent AWD system that adjusts traction from front to rear as needed for maximum grip while favoring fuel efficiency when driving conditions are ideal. But instead of an AWD button, the system offers a choice of drive modes. Unfortunately, the modes aren’t particularly useful, with the two traction-oriented modes being Snow and Off-Road, even though we don’t get much snow here, and crossover SUVs aren’t generally used for hard off-roading.

In terms of the technology involved, this round is close. Both AWD systems have their strengths. The Equinox continuously sends power to all four wheels when the system is engaged, while the Rogue features five drive modes. However, in terms of how useful that technology actually is to the average driver, the Equinox is the clear winner as its Switchable AWD is far more versatile in the situations you are likely to encounter.

Seating, Hauling, and Towing

SUVs prioritize space for passengers and cargo and often deliver towing capacity, too. Both of these vehicles are no exceptions. Just as is the case with their exterior dimensions, the passenger compartments of both vehicles are very similar in size. The 2024 Equinox offers 40.9 inches of front seat legroom, while the 2024 Rogue provides 41.5 inches, so that’s nearly a draw with less than an inch separating them. But the Equinox edges out the Rogue in rear passenger comfort, featuring 39.9 inches of legroom versus the Rogue’s 38.5 inches.

In the area of trailering, both of these SUVs can pull 1,500 lbs. While you certainly won’t tow a 55-foot boat with that kind of towing capacity, that’s generally not what compact SUVs are designed for. However, it’s enough to pull a small utility trailer, A-frame camper, or lightweight boat like canoes, kayaks, or small fishing boats. Chevy even offers several trailering accessories that you can find here at our parts center––something noticeably lacking for the Rogue. Because of this focus, we’ll give the Chevy a slight edge when it comes to towing.

Safety and Technology

Compact SUVs are generally fully equipped these days with suites of technology for comfort and safety. Both of these models are no exception. Chevy Safety Assist gives Equinox drivers and passengers the reassurance of several safety and driver assist features, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and more. Optional packages provide features like Adaptive Cruise Control and OnStar Safety and Security. The 2024 Equinox’s infotainment system includes a standard seven-inch or available eight-inch center screen and built-in Amazon Alexa. A WiFi hotspot is also available.

Nissan matches punches with its Safety Shield 360 system, which offers Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. It also offers a Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and more. The optional ProPILOT Assist feature provides lane-keeping assistance. The Rogue’s center screen offers optional Google services like Google Assistant and Google Maps. This round is close to a draw, but the Chevy pulls it out at the end with unique features like its optional Safety Alert Seat and standard Teen Driver technology.

The Judges’ Ruling

It’s difficult to say that either of these models is a bad vehicle. The Nissan Rogue has been recently refreshed and has plenty of new features to show off. However, the Equinox offers a more proven drivetrain that will appeal to drivers who don’t care for CVTs and three-cylinder engines, along with a more spacious second row and a handful of unique features to maximize your drive.

For many buyers, it may come down to price. Nissan pegs the 2024 Rogue’s starting price at $28,850, while Chevy lists the 2024 Equinox at $26,600.^[a] Even the top-of-the-line Equinox Premier starts at just $31,800, while the Rogue Platinum begins at $39,130. With the sticker price factored in along with the extra features, the Chevy Equinox is the better bargain for a segment with many value-conscious buyers.

^[a]MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.