2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 flaunted a rugged-looking exterior, akin to traditional SUVs. It sported boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, in sharp contrast to the more approachable look of previous RAV4 generations. Toyota’s decision to implement this aggressive design made the RAV4 stand out among compact crossovers, enhancing its perception as more than just an ordinary vehicle. The vehicle was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with many other Toyota models. While the exterior design hinted at a rough-and-tough 4Runner vibe, its mechanical underpinnings drew more from the Camry.

Toyota offered several cosmetic tweaks to further enhance the gasoline RAV4, particularly with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models. The RAV4 Adventure included a retro Ice Edge (white) roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road featured matte black 18-inch wheels, though 19-inch wheels were available on other trims. Also notable were the standard LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, red interior touches, and a front skid plate aimed at improving its rugged appeal. Inside, the RAV4 had large rubberized knobs and handles, adding a rough-and-ready feel. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't elevate significantly with higher-priced models, and SofTex upholstery was standard in the TRD Off-Road trim but lacked the availability of real leather even in the high-end models.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Rogue underwent a significant redesign the previous year, which saw it graduate from a cutesy exterior to a more mature look. The new Rogue carried several exterior design elements similar to other Nissan models, notably the recently reworked Pathfinder. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, active grille shutters, underbody covers for improved airflow, and an “air curtain” for directing airflow around the front sides. The floating roof illusion created by dark supporting pillars and a slightly bulging liftgate added sleekness to its style.

Inside, the Rogue adopted the trending layered dash design with different surfaces in all models. The electronic gear selector freed up space beneath the center console for additional storage, while two large cupholders and a wireless charging pad added more functionality. The highlight was a prominent 9-inch center infotainment display, assisted by either a 7-inch or a full 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, depending on the trim. Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats were a notable comfort upgrade, appealing to the driver and front passenger, and the back row offered ample legroom. As always, Nissan’s attention to fit and finish was exemplary, especially on the Platinum model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Toyota claimed this engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically only found in racing engines. However, while the engine was eager and responsive, the rest of the RAV4 didn’t quite match up. The transmission often hesitated to shift, which was jarring, and the steering, though responsive, lacked feel. The driving experience was further compromised by the ineffectual Sport mode, which merely added unnecessary weight to the steering.

On highways, the RAV4 handled better, with impressively low cabin noise and a suspension system that smoothed out road imperfections. This suitability for highway driving reflected how most consumers would use the RAV4. Off-road, the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered an 8.6-inch ground clearance, torque-vectoring rear axle, and all-terrain tires, but their off-road prowess was somewhat limited by their suspension and approach, departure, and breakover angles. Adventure and TRD Off-Road models boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, as compared to the 1,500-pound capacity of other RAV4 models.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, while traditionally underwhelming in performance, saw significant upgrades. Its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine incorporated a Variable Compression system, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. These figures represented an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque from the previous model’s 2.5-liter inline-four engine. The Rogue's new engine provided notable improvements in fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The Rogue’s CVT transmission complemented the engine well, with a wider range of gear ratios that improved acceleration and passing power. The driving experience was smoother and more dynamic, and the less noticeable CVT drone was an added plus. While the option for a manual transmission was still absent, the Rogue's chassis and suspension offered a controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the steering provided good feedback.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roof that provided competitive headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom lagged behind many competitors. The front seats in the RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim were highly comfortable with a snug fit, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions that made long road trips uncomfortable. A 60/40 split-folding bench rear seat was standard but lacked the sliding feature seen in competitors like the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue. The RAV4’s cargo space stood at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, and while a wide aperture made loading easier, the cargo area’s height was higher compared to others in the segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue offered substantial improvements in interior space and storage solutions. The front cabin boasted numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and multiple cubbies. USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets were readily available, enhancing convenience. In the rear, passengers enjoyed storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, plus their own USB-A and USB-C ports. The 60/40 split reclining bench provided flexibility.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue was extensive, with 31.6-36.5 cubic feet available depending on the configuration, and an impressive 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, making it ideal for larger loads or thrift store finds.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most models featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while Limited models had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid had a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was an optional upgrade. The infotainment system was user-friendly and the touchscreen was well-positioned, but it lacked the flashiness and advanced features that tech-savvy buyers might prefer. The head-up display (HUD) was only available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, benefiting from its 2021 overhaul, featured advanced technology that carried into the 2022 model. The upper trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. When equipped with navigation, the Rogue utilized Google Maps and Waze with voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the board, and wireless Apple CarPlay was available on higher trims.

Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, a hands-on driver-assist technology, was integrated with the navigation system in models equipped with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system allowed the Rogue to adjust speed based on impending road conditions, aiding in freeway curves and exit preparations. The Intelligent Key feature included unlocking functionalities for both front and rear doors, adding to its user-friendliness.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. It missed the “Top Safety Pick+” rating due to mixed headlight scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and lane tracing assist. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trims. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also featured ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones, along with Intelligent Driver Alertness and rear door alert. ProPilot Assist combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control, while ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link integrated navigation system data for predictive speed control. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for the previous year.