2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota RAV4
2021 Toyota RAV4
$26,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota RAV4
$26,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue is 9 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota RAV4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommended choice would be the 2021 Nissan Rogue for its higher overall score.

Overview

MSRP

$26,050

MSRP

$26,350

Average price

$24,001

Average price

$26,782

Listings

6866

Listings

4134
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Sluggish touchscreen response

2021 Nissan Rogue Reviews Summary

To characterize the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue as vital to the automaker's success is an understatement. Not only is the compact crossover SUV the best-selling Nissan in America, but it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Strip out pickup trucks, and the Rogue sits near the top of the U.S. sales chart with its primary competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Imagine the pressure on Nissan designers, engineers, and product planners as they prepared the current Rogue's replacement! The good news is that the new Rogue is a better SUV in every way but one.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Reviews Summary

Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model.

Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE.

We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division.

Search for a Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 181 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

27

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

35

MPG Highway

35
2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota RAV4
2021 Toyota RAV4
$26,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota RAV4
$26,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue is 9 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota RAV4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommended choice would be the 2021 Nissan Rogue for its higher overall score.

Overview
MSRP
$26,050
$26,350
Average price
$24,001
$26,782
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.6
Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Sluggish touchscreen response
Summary
To characterize the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue as vital to the automaker's success is an understatement. Not only is the compact crossover SUV the best-selling Nissan in America, but it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Strip out pickup trucks, and the Rogue sits near the top of the U.S. sales chart with its primary competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Imagine the pressure on Nissan designers, engineers, and product planners as they prepared the current Rogue's replacement! The good news is that the new Rogue is a better SUV in every way but one.

Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model.

Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE.

We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division.

Search for a Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 181 hp I4
2.5L 203 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
27
28
MPG Highway
35
35
Look and feel
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2021 Toyota RAV4
9/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Nissan Rogue scores 9 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2021 Toyota RAV4 scores 8 out of 10. The Nissan Rogue boasts a modern aesthetic with handsome new styling and a more technical appearance. On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 has a rugged-looking exterior of a traditional SUV with boxy fender flares and a chiseled front end.
Performance
2021 Nissan Rogue
8/10
2021 Toyota RAV4
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Nissan Rogue 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 6 out of 10 for performance. The Rogue offers a decent 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, along with all-wheel drive and new driving modes for off-road capability. The RAV4, on the other hand, features a powerful Dynamic Force engine but lacks refined driving dynamics in comparison.
Form and function
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2021 Toyota RAV4
8/10
When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2021 Nissan Rogue offers up to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it one of the largest in its class. In comparison, the Toyota RAV4 offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, slightly behind competitors.
Technology
2021 Nissan Rogue
10/10
2021 Toyota RAV4
7/10
The 2021 Nissan Rogue scores a 10 out of 10 for technology, offering a competitive infotainment package with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 provides standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with JBL premium audio available on higher trim levels.
Safety
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2021 Toyota RAV4
8/10
The 2021 Nissan Rogue gets a safety rating of 9 out of 10, equipping every model with advanced safety features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360. On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 achieves a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and advanced safety features.
Cost Effectiveness
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2021 Toyota RAV4
7/10
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is rated 9 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, offering competitive pricing and value. The RAV4, on the other hand, provides good fuel economy ratings but higher pricing, especially for hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.