Equinox vs Rogue
Few matchups in the compact suv class come up as often as the Equinox against the Rogue. The honest headline: the Equinox and the Rogue are evenly matched in most of the areas we compared.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Rogue wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Engine & Performance0.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Rogue has 26 hp more power
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Rogue leads with 201 hp to 175 hp. The Rogue’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Rogue has 22 lb-ft more torque
Only a little separates them: 225 lb-ft on the Rogue, 203 lb-ft on the Equinox. The Rogue’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Rogue leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Rogue leads where it counts. The Rogue wins here with 26 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the Rogue the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
Equinox: 175 hp Rogue: 201 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Equinox: 203 lb-ft Rogue: 225 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Equinox and the Rogue each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox | Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 1.5L turbo I3 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 175 hp | 201 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 225 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | N/A (not specified) | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox | Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 33 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 37 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox | Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 36.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 74.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox | Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox | Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Rogue if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (201 hp vs 175 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (225 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Nissan
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Equinox or the Rogue?
On the specs compared here, the Rogue makes more sense for most buyers; the Equinox doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Equinox and the Rogue are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. The Rogue has 26 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing.
Match the strength to your habits (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Equinox, engine & performance for the Rogue), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Rogue.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.