2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The redesign of the Nissan Rogue in 2021 established a more grown-up aesthetic, and the 2022 model continued this trend with no major changes. It showcased a prominent V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and LED fog lamps on higher trims. These exterior details, along with the floating roof and subtly bulging liftgate, created an overall sleek and modern appearance. Inside, the Rogue's layered dash presented a sophisticated look with contrasting colors and various textures in different trim levels. The center console featured an electronic gear selector, creating ample storage space underneath, and housed large cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and additional storage cubby beneath the center armrest. A 9-inch center infotainment display and options for either a 7-inch or a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided an advanced technological edge.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, following its last major redesign in 2019, maintained a more angular and aggressive exterior design. Angular flourishes in the wheel arches and sharp lines contrasted with organic shape bends, giving it an expressive and somewhat playful look reminiscent of a Kabuki mask. Inside, the RAV4 offered a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, accented further by distinct geometric patterns repeating throughout the cabin, a testament to thoughtful design details. The center stack featured a touchscreen interface mounted at the top for easy driver accessibility.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance saw a significant boost with the introduction of its 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, which produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an increase of 11% in horsepower and 24% in torque from the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The VC-Turbo technology allowed for variable compression, optimizing power and fuel efficiency dynamically, leading to an impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The new CVT provided smoother acceleration and driving dynamics, enhancing both urban and highway driving experiences. The Rogue's suspension and chassis improvements from the prior year contributed to refined handling and ride comfort, with a tight 35.4-foot turning diameter for nimble maneuverability.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with the gasoline-only model using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided strong performance with fuel economy ratings of 27-28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for FWD models. The hybrid model combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 217 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy of 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined. The sporty RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid reached 302 horsepower and could run 42 miles on electricity alone, with combined ratings of 94 MPGe. Our test vehicle, the Adventure AWD model, showcased a smooth power delivery without turbo lag and paired well with the eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4’s suspension provided car-like handling, augmented by advanced AWD systems for enhanced traction and stability.

The interior of the 2022 Nissan Rogue was designed with practicality in mind, offering various storage options for front and rear seat passengers. The center console provided ample room for personal items, alongside other bins and cubbies across the front cabin. Rear passengers had their own storage compartments and USB ports. The Rogue boasted cargo capacity ranging from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 also provided robust storage and comfort, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats down. Its payload capacity varied between 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, and it could tow up to 1,500 pounds on most trims. Adventure and TRD Off-Road models upped this capability to 3,500 pounds. In comparison to the Rogue, the RAV4 offered marginally more cargo space but also more powerful towing capacities. Inside, the RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with plentiful front and rear storage options, although the middle seat in the second row was less desirable.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue carried over its previous year's tech upgrades, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center touchscreen with available navigation powered by Google Maps and Waze, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration—wirelessly for higher trims—ensured robust smartphone connectivity. ProPilot Assist further enhanced the driving experience with semi-autonomous capabilities.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a solid tech foundation with a 7-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio system in base trims, and enhanced options like a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL system in higher trims. Higher models also included five USB ports, multiple power outlets, blue ambient lighting, and advanced features such as a bird’s-eye camera and head-up display on the RAV4 Prime. Standard across all models were Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a year-long subscription to Safety Connect.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue ensured safety with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warnings as standard. Higher trims could enjoy advanced options like blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition. ProPilot Assist added another layer with its semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The model earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and awaited 2022 ratings from IIHS, after securing a Top Safety Pick+ for 2021.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 also excelled in safety with its Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and more. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The RAV4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, with the RAV4 Prime achieving Top Safety Pick+ status.