2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The test model featured the SL trim with front-drive, the SL Premium Package, and additional accessories, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, highlighted by its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior revealed its dated design with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces, though it did include thoughtful touches like padded center console sides for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, was available in a Heritage Edition to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The standard model, tested in Magnetic Gray with Terra leather upholstery, exuded a more luxurious feel despite its basic two-box shape. The exterior featured large headlights and chrome accents, while the interior combined high-quality materials with a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements. The Land Cruiser's interior was plush and comfortable, with a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, offering a nostalgic yet premium experience.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed power well, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially on freeways or steep grades, often responding with noise rather than action. Fuel economy was also disappointing, achieving only 24.9 mpg in testing compared to the EPA's 29 mpg estimate. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering power through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. With 401 pound-feet of torque available at low RPMs, the Land Cruiser offered impressive thrust, especially in first gear. Its legendary off-road capability was supported by a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of traction control technologies. On-road, the Land Cruiser provided a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability. Despite its capabilities, fuel economy was low, averaging 14.7 mpg in testing.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with limited seat adjustment options. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort and visibility, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and rear air conditioning vents. In-cabin storage was limited, but the Rogue excelled in cargo space, providing 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with additional underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, featuring heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seats, while accommodating adults, lacked leg support for long trips. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 82.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split clamshell tailgate offered convenient access and a practical seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with available upgrades like SiriusXM and a Bose sound system. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Entune technology, lacking modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was simple but limited, with basic voice recognition and a dated rear-seat entertainment system. A 14-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality, though not exceptional for the price.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS due to headlight and frontal-impact concerns.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with essential driver-assistance systems, but lacked advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. With no crash-test ratings available, its safety performance remained uncertain, though its substantial weight and 10 airbags provided a sense of security.