2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, which contributed to its timeless styling and balanced proportions. The 4Runner was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition adding unique features. The interior, while dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, with a dashboard that boasted large knobs and buttons for a straightforward, old-school feel. The 4Runner's appeal lay in its simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue presented a more modern and sophisticated appearance, following its recent redesign. The exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design, giving it a sleek and contemporary look. Inside, the Rogue offered a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a refined and detailed cabin environment. The center console was a highlight, with an electronic gear selector lever and ample storage space. The Rogue's interior was both attractive and comfortable, with Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats and a spacious second row. The fit and finish were exemplary, particularly in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, showcasing Nissan's attention to detail and quality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was built for off-road adventures, as demonstrated during testing at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area. Equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, the 4Runner excelled in challenging terrains, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its five-speed automatic transmission and part-time 4WD system required manual engagement, and the SUV's fuel economy was a concern, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's off-road prowess and rugged charm made it a favorite among enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, with its variable compression technology, provided a lively and efficient performance, significantly improving over the previous model. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The SUV's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and precise steering. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, achieving an estimated 33 mpg combined, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with supportive front and rear seats and ample legroom. The SUV's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a pleasant experience. The available sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, added versatility to the cargo area, which offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, with various compartments for small items.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options, with numerous compartments and outlets for passengers' convenience. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed additional storage in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. This made the Rogue a versatile choice for families and commuters alike.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were modest, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Trail Special Edition lacked advanced features, but the premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system's physical buttons and knobs were user-friendly, even when wearing gloves, but the overall tech package felt dated compared to modern standards.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, however, boasted a comprehensive technology suite, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The Rogue offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver-assist system, was available, providing a hands-on driving experience with adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue's Intelligent Key and rear door alert added convenience, making it a tech-savvy choice for modern drivers.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering a comprehensive set of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also included ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for enhanced safety. ProPilot Assist further enhanced safety features, providing a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the IIHS.