2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels, though the V-Motion grille and fender swells were somewhat exaggerated.

Inside, the Rogue’s age was more evident. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms felt dated compared to modern designs favoring wide, horizontal, angular motifs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, nearly fully loaded, had an MSRP of $42,083. Despite its high price, the test vehicle didn’t visually distinguish itself from a standard rental car RAV4. Larger wheels or an Adventure trim level would have enhanced its appearance. Nevertheless, the RAV4 Hybrid had a tough look, needing only bolder wheels to complete the image. For a more upscale feel, the 2021 Toyota Venza was a refined alternative.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish, functional, and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate was a minor annoyance. Overall, the interior was well-designed, with clear instrumentation and conveniently placed controls.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured 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 the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and smoothed out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL’s 19-inch wheels and tires didn’t make it fun to drive. The steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, providing standard AWD. This setup generated 219 horsepower, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively despite weighing up to 3,780 pounds. The EPA estimated 40 mpg in combined driving, and testing confirmed an impressive 39.7 mpg.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective without common pedal modulation flaws. The steering was nicely weighted, and the suspension design, combined with Active Cornering Assist, provided favorable driving dynamics. However, the P225/60R18 Michelin Primacy all-season tires lacked grip, limiting fun in corners. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled as a daily driver, with a comfortable ride and effective handling on various road conditions.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior comfort was challenging for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and legroom. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating. Rear passengers enjoyed high seat cushions, excellent thigh support, and a panoramic sunroof, making the back seat a preferred spot. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, underfloor storage, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided easy comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers had decent legroom, good leg support, and air conditioning vents, with heated rear seats in the test vehicle. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades offered SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, slow to respond, and had subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-tier system in the test vehicle included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and various connected services. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The dynamic voice recognition was mostly accurate, though it couldn’t adjust climate settings. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and camera-based technology like a 360-degree surround-view system and rearview camera mirror were impressive additions.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with IIHS ratings for headlights and front-passenger protection.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on most trims, with rear automatic braking available on the Hybrid Limited. TSS 2.0 was generally effective, though lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control had some quirks. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.