2022 Nissan Rogue vs Toyota RAV4

Two-row SUVs have seen considerable success in the automotive industry, with standout players like the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 consistently delivering a winning combination of capability, comfort, convenience features, and eye-catching design. These vehicles provide an ideal blend for drivers seeking dynamic performance on both urban streets or offroad adventures.

Nissan makes four trims of the Rogue. Things are a bit more complex with the RAV4 since Toyota makes 12 trims. Half of them are hybrid vehicles, and note that this doesn't even include the plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4, which is called the RAV4 Prime. For the purposes of this overview, only the traditional and hybrid versions of the RAV4 will be discussed.

The Powertrain

One option is offered with the Nissan Rogue. As a 1.5-liter engine, it's on the smaller side of the spectrum, but it does benefit from having a turbocharger. It's able to make 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque.

Nissan matches this engine with a continuously variable transmission. Manual mode is offered as part of this system, and if a driver wishes to exercise more control, he or she can use the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The two driving modes that are available with front-wheel-drive Rogues are Eco and Sport modes. If the Rogue has all-wheel drive, it would also have Snow and Off-Road modes.

The traditional RAV4 operates with a 2.5-liter engine. It has four cylinders and can generate 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of twisting power (torque). Although these numbers are within the same range as those of the Rogue, the RAV4 has a touch more horsepower but less torque.

Toyota has offered an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to go with the 2.5-liter engine. It has a sequential shift mode, and it can also be paired with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Like the Rogue, the RAV4 has Sport and Eco modes in case a driver wishes to change things up slightly. If it has all-wheel drive, it would come equipped with a Multi-Terrain Select program, an amenity that enables drivers to choose between mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal drive modes.

Another option is a hybrid system. It also uses a 2.5-liter engine, but there's an electric motor as well. These two components cooperate to make a net horsepower of 219. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and all-wheel capability are included as standard features on the hybrid RAV4, and it also has EV and Trail drive modes on top of the other modes.

It's worth noting that among the various RAV4 trims, some are more suitable for challenging terrains. For instance, the Adventure trim is proficient in slippery conditions due to its dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive, while the TRD Off-Road boasts a similar all-wheel-drive system along with TRD-tuned suspension. Additionally, the Hybrid SE and Hybrid XSE trim exhibit improved handling owing to the sport-tuned suspension.

Both the SUVs have small towing capacity therefore, they can't handle anything that's too big. The Rogue can tow up to 1,350 pounds. The RAV4 performs slightly better, with a maximum towing capacity of either 1,500 or 1,750 pounds. Interestingly, it's the hybrid model that boasts a higher towing capacity.

The hybrid RAV4 is a clear leader in terms of efficiency, achieving up to 41mpg on city roads and 38 mpg while cruising the highway. Comparatively, its non-hybrid sister may reach 27mps around town with AWD models reaching 35 mpg when hitting the open road - making it an economical choice for those seeking adventures big or small.

The Rogue provides astonishing fuel efficiency, reaching up to 30 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. Though with all-wheel drive, its efficiency decreases, yet still leads to performing touch better than an all-wheel drive RAV4.

Drivability

When looking at the outside of both cars, they seem alike, and the interior experience is quite similar as well. The Rogue is about three inches lengthier, but slightly less wide and tall, although this difference is not readily noticeable to most individuals. These vehicles are compact in size, which makes them easy to park in tight spaces while still offering sufficient room. Nevertheless, they can be comfortable in open areas, yet are particularly well-suited for urban driving, and can be effortlessly navigated around cramped spots.

The cabins of the Rogue and RAV4 have notable similarities. Both feature ample legroom in both rows - 41 inches for the front row, 37.8 inches for second-row passengers in the case of a RAV4; with slightly more space being offered on board a Rogue: 41.5" upfront, 38.5" at rear seating area respectively – all great news if you're looking to travel comfortably! When it comes to cargo capacity however, there is an extra edge favoring Toyota's model since its trunk offers 37.5 cubic feet whereas Nissan's can provide up 36 . 5 cu ft maximum volume behind rear seats only when utilizing full potential available onboard either vehicle choice.

By folding the rear seats down, one can significantly increase the available space to transport bigger equipment. Specifically, the Rogue can accommodate up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo when the seats are down, while the RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet.

Undoubtedly, various other factors can impact the overall driving experience. Ensuring that drivers and passengers remain comfortable is crucial, and nowadays, technology plays an essential role in achieving this goal.

The Rogue takes care of its passengers. Many trims have dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents are standard. The rear doors can even come with sunshades to keep things cooler in the back. Remote engine start is found on select trims, and doing this can start up the climate system so that the cabin can be comfortable before people start getting in. Higher trims have heated front seats, and they could also have heated rear seats and heated steering wheels.

Most trims of the RAV4 are fairly comparable to those of the Rogue. However, the higher Toyota trims can feature heated and ventilated front seats. Toyota doesn't offer rear sunshades, though.

Another minor difference has to do with the moonroof. The Rogue is available with a dual panel panoramic moonroof. With the RAV4, select trims have a regular moonroof and some others can have a panoramic moonroof with a front section that can tilt and slide open. Having that moonroof really elevates the experience for certain people who love the idea of having the sun shine on them and having fresh air fill their cabins.

The Nissan Rogue offers impressive technology features for a streamlined driving experience. With Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth capabilities as standard in all trims, you can keep your hands safely on the wheel while enjoying access to navigation services (on larger nine-inch touchscreen), voice recognition, text messaging assistant and Wi-Fi connectivity along with SiriusXM radio. Upgrade to Bose premium audio systems available across some of their select trim levels for an enhanced sound quality like no other.

Nissan anticipated the likelihood of multiple devices being in the cabin of the Rogue at the same time and therefore equipped it with multiple charging ports. The Rogue is standardly equipped with two charging ports, with the option to add two additional ones. Additionally, the Rogue also supports wireless charging.

The RAV4 features a seven-inch touchscreen as its base option, which is smaller than what the Rogue offers. However, the higher end of the RAV4 lineup includes a larger nine-inch touchscreen. Similar to the Rogue, the RAV4 supports smartphone compatibility, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth. Moreover, the RAV4 also features Amazon Alexa integration, which can be highly convenient. While not all trims include Wi-Fi capability, many do offer this feature. For those seeking additional features, higher-end RAV4 trims offer integrated navigation and 11 JBL speakers too.

A wireless smartphone charging pad is available on the RAV4. This can eliminate the need for having so many cords cluttering the front console area. Lower trims start out with three total USB ports, and higher trims have five total USB ports so that no one has to compete for them.

Safety

Toyota and Nissan SUVs offer a powerful advantage - unparalleled safety. With an array of driver-assist technologies that can anticipate hazards, these vehicles provide peace of mind for those behind the wheel – making them leading contenders in the SUV market.

Both vehicles come equipped with sophisticated safety packages, allowing drivers to cruise confidently. Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking provide a comprehensive level of protection while lane departure warning regulates the vehicle's stability on winding roads. With these features in place, drivers can enjoy peace-of-mind knowing that their SUVs are ready for any journey ahead.

While there are similarities between the capabilities of these SUVs, there are also distinctions. The Rogue distinguishes itself by offering blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking as standard features. On the other hand, the RAV4's base trim lacks these features, but they can be added as upgrades. Additionally, the RAV4 features reverse automatic braking within its parking assist feature, which is only included in selected trims.

In contrast, the RAV4 has a unique feature not found in the Rogue, which is road sign assist. This feature enables the vehicle to recognize road signs and subsequently remind drivers of them. This is particularly useful in situations where drivers may miss a speed limit sign or need to be reminded of upcoming traffic patterns.

Both models offer the option to upgrade to 360-degree monitors, which provide a more comprehensive view of the surrounding environment. While both vehicles feature adaptive cruise control programs, the one found in the Rogue is more advanced than the RAV4's version. i.e the Rogue's adaptive cruise control can integrate navigation data to determine when to slow down. In addition, the Rogue has the option for intelligent lane intervention, a mitigation program that collaborates with blind spot monitoring to decrease the probability of certain types of accidents.

Which Has the Best Value?

Since value can typically be a subjective matter, choosing between these two vehicles is significantly influenced by their prices. Nevertheless, deciding which of the two SUVs provides better value can be a difficult undertaking.

At a starting price of just below $27,000, the RAV4 is available in various trims, with the priciest being the Limited at approximately $35,500. Opting for the Limited hybrid model would cost even more, at around $38,000.

The Rogue costs just about the same amount. Its entry-level trim has a starting price of a little more than $27,000. Its Platinum trim is the most premium one offered, and it costs about $38,500.

The Rogue is ever-so-slightly more expensive. While it doesn't have available ventilation in its front row like the RAV4 does, several trims have leather or quilted semi-aniline leather seats. The RAV4 is limited to having SofTex upholstery, which is a synthetic leather. Other high-end features can be found in the two models, such as heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, hands-free lift gates, and navigation.

Which is Better?

Again, these two vehicles share so many similarities that it's challenging to declare one superior to the other. However, it's worth noting that the Rogue boasts marginally more sophisticated technology than the RAV4, except for the absence of Amazon Alexa. Additionally, the Rogue's available leather seats give it a more polished feel.

The ultimate decision-maker in the RAV4 vs. Nissan Rogue comparison lies with drivers prioritizing toughness and capability: RAV4 delivers the goods on both counts, boasting greater hauling capacity along with optional multi-terrain select capabilities tailor-made for adventurous types looking to take their driving experience off road. For eco-friendly customers, its hybrid option seals the deal - a potent combination of power plus planet protection.