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2023 Nissan Rogue
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For 2023, the Rogue adds a new Midnight Edition package with blacked-out styling, giving it a more elevated look. There are also a few small updates like available Amazon Alexa and added convenience features, while keeping the same family-friendly design with easy car seat access and practical interior space.
I didn’t expect to like this car as much as I do, but it really surprised me—especially when it comes to how it handles car seats. It’s a great setup for families who want flexibility without jumping up to a bigger SUV.
- Five lower anchors across the second row: gives you more flexibility than most cars to choose where you want to install your car seat
- Three top tether anchors across the back: one behind each seat, so every position can support a forward-facing install
- Rear-facing clearance that actually works: I had great space with my seat installed and didn’t have to move the front seat up
- Extra lower anchor in the middle seat: technically lets you install a seat in the center, but it blocks the buckle so it’s not super practical
- Better for two car seats than three: the middle seat gets tight fast, so I wouldn’t plan on doing three across here
- Wide-opening rear doors: makes getting car seats in and out way easier, especially with infant seats
- Comfortable second row setup: good legroom, vents, and sunshades make it a nice spot for kids on longer drives
The Exterior
A More Premium Look With a Longer Hood
This redesign feels like a big step up. It’s sharper, more modern, and definitely leans more premium than older Rogues. The one thing you really notice is the longer hood. It changes the proportions a bit, and I think that’s either something you’ll love or not.
Two-Tone Details That Actually Work
I usually don’t love two-tone, but this one is done well. It adds interest without feeling busy, especially in lighter colors.
- Clean two-tone styling: the roof and wheels tie together nicely
- Wheels that hide dirt well: always a practical win
Rear Design Looks Polished and Functional
The back end is one of my favorite parts of this car. It looks clean and a little more elevated.
- Wraparound taillights: start further forward and look really sharp
- Reflective corner detail: small, but great for visibility
The only thing I’d skip is the spaced-out “ROGUE” lettering. Not my favorite.
A Few Small Misses
There are a couple spots that feel a little like an afterthought.
- Black plastic trim: I wish it was body-colored
- Some mixed materials: not quite as cohesive as the rest
Overall Take
Overall, I really like the way it looks. It feels more premium, just know the longer hood changes the proportions a bit.
First Row
I feel really comfortable up here, and that was my first impression. The seats are soft, there’s a lot of leather throughout, and it just feels a little more elevated than I expected for this price point.
Comfortable Seats and a More Elevated Feel
It’s one of those interiors that just feels cozy right away.
- Soft leather seats with lumbar support: really comfortable, especially for longer drives
- Nice materials throughout: leather on the doors and dash makes it feel more premium
Storage and Layout That Make Sense
Everything is pretty easy to use and laid out in a way that feels practical.
- Two good cupholders and center storage: nothing complicated, just works
- Small catch-all tray up front: perfect for keys and everyday stuff
Tech Is Fine, But the Screen Isn’t My Favorite
The features are there, I just don’t love how the screen is set up.
- Screen feels a little stuck on: not super integrated into the dash
- Not angled toward the driver: I noticed a bit of glare
Overall First Row Feel
Overall, it’s a really comfortable, easy space to be in. It feels a step up, with just a couple small things that aren’t my favorite.
Second Row
Five Lower Anchors Across the Bench Give You More Flexibility Than Most SUVs
This second row is built with car seats in mind, and it shows right away. You’re not locked into just two positions like most vehicles—there’s more flexibility here depending on how you want to configure your setup.
- Five lower anchors across the second row: allows for more flexible placement than the typical two-position setup
- Three top tether anchors across the back: one behind each seating position for forward-facing installs
Rear-Facing Installs Fit Comfortably Without Compromising Front Seat Space
Rear-facing seats work really well in this car. There’s great clearance, so you don’t have to push the front seats forward to make it work. That’s a huge win if you’re juggling taller drivers or long drives.
Middle Seat Gets Tight Once Car Seats Are Installed
While the anchor flexibility is a major advantage, space is still a limiting factor. Once you install a car seat on either side, the middle seat becomes very tight, making it difficult for an adult to sit comfortably or to attempt a true three-across setup.
Wide-Opening Doors Make Installs Easier Day-to-Day
The rear doors open wide, which makes a noticeable difference when lifting in infant seats or helping a toddler climb in. Combined with the seat height and layout, installs feel manageable and not overly cramped.
Overall, this second row is best suited for two car seats with room to spare, with added flexibility in placement thanks to the extra lower anchors—but it’s not the easiest setup for three across or frequent middle-seat use.
Third Row
No Third Row, But a Spacious and Functional Two-Row Setup
This is a two-row SUV, so you’re not getting a third row here—but that actually works in its favor. Everything feels more spacious, especially in the second row, and you’re not sacrificing comfort just to squeeze in extra seating.
Second Row Feels Surprisingly Roomy for Adults and Car Seats
The second row is genuinely comfortable. There’s plenty of legroom, and it doesn’t feel cramped even with a car seat installed. You also get thoughtful features like rear vents, USB ports, and built-in sunshades, which make a big difference for kids and longer drives.
- Comfortable legroom for adults
- Rear vents and USBs for everyday convenience
- Built-in sunshades that actually get used
Not Ideal for Squeezing in Extra Passengers
Once you start adding car seats, especially in the outboard positions, the middle seat becomes tight pretty quickly. It’s not the best setup if you’re hoping to fit three across or have an adult sit comfortably between seats.
Overall, this setup is best for families who want space and comfort for two rows, rather than trying to maximize seating capacity.
Trunk
Fits a Full Stroller Without Any Issue
This is one of those trunks that just works. I was able to fit the UPPAbaby Vista back here easily, which is always my test.
It’s a really solid size for this category.
- 36.5 cubic feet of space: gives you plenty of room for everyday gear
- More room than something like a Corolla Cross (24 cu ft): big difference in real use
- A little less than a Tucson (41.2 cu ft): but still very competitive
Simple Layout Makes It Easy to Use
Nothing complicated here, which I like.
- Wide opening and flat floor: easy to load strollers and groceries
- No third row taking up space: all of it is usable cargo room
It’s not the biggest, but it’s super practical and easy to live with.
Safety
2021 Nissan Rogue Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick
The 2021 Nissan Rogue was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when equipped with specific headlights.
Seatbelt Pretensioners Protect Front and Rear Outboard Passengers
The Rogue includes seatbelt pretensioners in the front seats and second row outboard seats, helping tighten the belts in a crash to better secure passengers.
Standard Safety Tech Adds Everyday Confidence
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure warning and assist
- Available surround view camera system
Overall, it’s a really well-equipped SUV from a safety standpoint, especially for this price point.
This is a really flexible setup for a two-row SUV, and it’s one of the biggest highlights for families. You’ve got more versatility here than you typically see, which makes a big difference depending on your stage of life and how many seats car you’re juggling.
- Five lower anchors across the bench: gives you more flexibility than most vehicles when choosing where to install car seats
- Three top tether anchors: one for each seating position, so every spot can safely support a forward-facing seat
- Great rear-facing clearance: you can install a rear-facing seat without sacrificing front seat comfort
- Extra-wide rear door opening: makes getting car seats in and out noticeably easier
- Middle seat is tight: once a car seat is installed, it’s not very practical for an adult or another seat
In practice, this setup works really well for two car seats with some breathing room. You can get creative with placement thanks to the anchors, but it’s not the easiest vehicle for three-across situations or squeezing in an extra passenger.
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