2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
Overview | |
MSRP$34,600 | MSRP$25,490 |
Average price$29,915 | Average price$17,040 |
Listings500 | Listings1185 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryMidsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil. | |
2020 Nissan Rogue Reviews SummaryNissan hasn’t redesigned the Rogue since 2014, but an all-new version of this SUV is coming for the 2021 model year. In the meantime, dealers will be eager to sell remaining stocks of the outgoing 2020 Nissan Rogue, and the deals on these new cars ought to be mighty juicy. Should you bite? Should you wait? Or should you shop for something else? The answers to these questions depend on who you are and what you value in a compact crossover SUV. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 | Engine2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 | Engine Name2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.0 cu ft | Cargo Space39.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4145 lbs | Curb Weight3463 lbs |
Height68.1 in | Height66.3 in |
Length194.9 in | Length184.5 in |
Width76.0 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase106.5 in |
Maximum Payload1685 lbs | Maximum Payload1127 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $34,600 | $25,490 |
Average price | $29,915 | $17,040 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 6.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil. | Nissan hasn’t redesigned the Rogue since 2014, but an all-new version of this SUV is coming for the 2021 model year. In the meantime, dealers will be eager to sell remaining stocks of the outgoing 2020 Nissan Rogue, and the deals on these new cars ought to be mighty juicy. Should you bite? Should you wait? Or should you shop for something else? The answers to these questions depend on who you are and what you value in a compact crossover SUV. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 295 hp V6 | 2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm | 170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 295 hp V6 | 2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Torque | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm | 170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.0 cu ft | 39.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4145 lbs | 3463 lbs |
Height | 68.1 in | 66.3 in |
Length | 194.9 in | 184.5 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 106.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1685 lbs | 1127 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
The 2020 Toyota Highlander had a design that was more refined compared to its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper, headlights, grille, and lower front bumper. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum featured projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, along with attractive LED running lamps. The new 20-inch wheels on these trims added to the vehicle's appeal. Inside, the Highlander boasted quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and an 8-inch touchscreen that appeared to float above the multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.
In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, had a simpler design. The bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells gave it an attractive look, especially with the SL trim's 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The waterfall control panel and rounded forms were outdated compared to modern designs. Despite this, the Rogue SL's center console had padded sides for driver comfort. The Rogue's interior was functional but lacked the sophistication and quality of the Highlander's cabin.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. The AWD models included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing the vehicle's handling. Fuel economy was impressive, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 20/27/23 mpg.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the engine's power, the Rogue's performance was merely adequate, especially during acceleration and passing maneuvers. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the FWD Rogue at 29 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed it managed only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it still lacked the fun-to-drive factor. The steering was lifeless and heavy, and the CVT drone was noticeable, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure rather than enjoy.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The front and rear seat heights allowed for easy ingress and egress. Standard three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, side window shades, and a heated second row were available on upper trims. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash for additional storage.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, while featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity cushion designs, were somewhat undersized and lacked adjustability for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a stadium-style view. Rear passengers also benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was ample, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments. The Rogue's Divide-n-Hide cargo management system added to its utility.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, did not utilize its full area effectively. However, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Highlander also featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system, adaptive cruise control, and road sign detection were notable features. The optional JBL audio system, SiriusXM, HD radio, WiFi, and four USB-A ports were standard, along with a one-year trial for Safety Connect.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. Subscription-based features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings were available. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, diminishing the overall tech experience.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander had a driver's knee airbag and a special cushion airbag for the front passenger. The IIHS awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA had not yet rated it.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured the standard Safety Shield 360, which included 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 included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Rogue a 4-star overall rating, while the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to issues with headlights and front-passenger protection.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Rogue scores 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the better choice, offering a more refined interior, better performance, and a higher safety rating.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Rogue if:
- You want a compact SUV with ample rear-seat comfort and cargo space.
- You prefer a vehicle with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option with essential infotainment features.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander if:
- You prioritize a high-quality, comfortable interior with versatile seating options.
- You need a powerful V6 engine with good fuel economy for a large SUV.
- You value advanced safety features and a high safety rating.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Rogue scores 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the better choice, offering a more refined interior, better performance, and a higher safety rating.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Rogue if:
Shop Now- You want a compact SUV with ample rear-seat comfort and cargo space.
- You prefer a vehicle with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option with essential infotainment features.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a high-quality, comfortable interior with versatile seating options.
- You need a powerful V6 engine with good fuel economy for a large SUV.
- You value advanced safety features and a high safety rating.

By: CarGurus + AI
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