2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Nissan Rogue had been refreshed with remarkably stylish new design elements that gave it a more assertive SUV look compared to its previous versions, which had more of a station wagon resemblance. Sporting dark gray plastic cladding around its lower perimeter and bold simulated skid plates, the Rogue projected just the right amount of ruggedness, albeit somewhat exaggerated at the rear bumper. Clean LED lighting, a dominant V-Motion grille, and well-executed proportioning contributed to its modern aesthetic. All trim levels, including the entry-level S, mid-level SV, luxurious SL, and top-tier Platinum, featured aluminum wheels that could be upgraded to 19 inches in diameter. Opting for the two-tone black roof paint added a custom look.

Our test vehicle was the Rogue SL, adorned with optional premium packages and special paint, bringing the total cost to $35,195, including destination charges. Inside, it was equipped with Almond color leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, lending a light and airy ambiance. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trims, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars further enhanced the cabin's quality feel. Controls were intuitively arranged for user-friendly operation. The Platinum trim offered even more opulence with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Notably, the Rogue still included a CD player but advanced technologically with features like wireless Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a redesign in 12 years, maintaining an aesthetic that, while updated in minor ways, remained fundamentally the same. Most versions displayed an 'angry visage' with a large grille, except for the more sophisticated Limited trim. Despite its age, the design had aged well, characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, reflecting balanced proportions, timeless style, and notable utility.

The 4Runner came in multiple trim levels, from the base SR5 to the adventurous TRD Off-Road and luxurious Limited, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition and Nightshade. Pricing ranged from $36,950 to $50,570. Our test model was a Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for the RWD variant, with upgrades bringing the total to $43,729. This version featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a 40-quart cooler.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's performance criticism stemmed mainly from its powertrain. With a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, the Rogue's power was adequate for daily driving but left something to be desired in more demanding situations. Weighing close to 3,500 pounds, the SUV's acceleration felt modest, despite the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that performed well by simulating traditional automatic shifts and offering paddle shifters for manual control.

For those seeking adventure, the Rogue offered all-wheel drive with ground clearance up to 8.2 inches and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road. During a media program, we found that while adequate, the Rogue could benefit from a turbocharged engine, hinted at for future models. The Rogue managed 27.5 mpg from a combination of road conditions, slightly lower than the EPA's rating. The SUV’s ride and handling were exemplary, thanks to its new robust architecture, advanced suspension, and a suite of systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control that ensured a smooth and athletic drive. The standout improvement was its new electric steering assist system.

Conversely, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, with its 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine and 278 pound-feet of torque, performed admirably off-road. A five-speed automatic transmission powered either the rear or all four wheels, the latter needing manual shift between modes. The off-road prowess of the 4Runner was enhanced by features like A-Trac, which helped tackle challenging terrains at Hungry Valley, and the capabilities extended even further with TRD Off-Road and Pro variants equipped with a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, everyday driving revealed the 4Runner’s age: heavy, clunky, and demanding, with an unimpressive average of 16.8 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's interior aimed at ergonomic comfort with Zero Gravity seat designs, now improved and larger than previous generations. The trim levels offered various upholsteries from cloth in the S trim to premium leather in the Platinum. Features like Quick Comfort heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available up the trim ladder, although ventilated seats were notably absent. The Rogue's triple-zone automatic climate control in higher trims was also a comfort highlight. Rear seating was improved with generous headroom and legroom, 90-degree opening doors, and ample storage solutions including a new electronic shifter freeing space and a split butterfly-style center armrest.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue was substantial, with 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV, extending to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum, thanks to the Divide-N-Hide system. Maximum cargo volume reached 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner rode high, and those with shorter legs might need the optional running boards for easier access. Once inside, comfortable and supportive seating awaited occupants, especially with the airy feel when all windows and the sunroof were open. The 4Runner offered a third-row seat option, but our test model featured a sliding cargo deck instead. Cargo space was generous, presenting up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row and an impressive 89.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The Trail Special Edition’s roof rack added to its utility for adventures.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue impressed with its competitive infotainment suite. Even the base S trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and Alexa/Google Assistant integration. Higher trims like the Platinum featured a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The system worked well, notwithstanding the stubby knobs and small shortcut buttons.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's Trail Special Edition was more basic, equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM radio, and five USB ports. Premium audio upgrades added dynamic navigation and voice recognition. Despite its old-school look, the system's software gave it modern functionality with effective voice recognition and user-friendly physical buttons.

Nissan highlighted safety in the 2021 Rogue with standard Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and Navi-link technology, enhancing driving support using navigation data. While crash-test results were unavailable, the Rogue’s significant use of high-strength steel indicated robust safety measures.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), provided adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, and lane departure warning but lacked a blind-spot warning system. This omission was significant given the 4Runner's three-star NHTSA rollover rating. Some safety ratings like the IIHS’s Marginal driver protection in frontal impacts and three-star NHTSA front passenger protection reflected the 4Runner’s design age.