2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Nissan Rogue maintained its modern styling transformation from the previous year, boasting a more mature look. Its exterior featured several design elements akin to other current-generation Nissan vehicles, notably the reworked Pathfinder. The Rogue showcased Nissan's V-motion grille framed by multi-level LED headlights. The higher SL and Platinum trims came with LED fog lamps, while subtle yet effective features like active grille shutters and underbody covers improved airflow. The "floating" roof illusion, dark supporting pillars, and slightly bulging liftgate contributed to the sleek, polished appearance. Inside, the Rogue followed a contemporary design trend with a layered dashboard presenting distinct horizontal layers in contrasting colors in certain trims. The center console stood out due to its electronic gear selector, freeing up space beneath for storage. This feature, combined with a large storage cubby under the center armrest and an upgraded 9-inch infotainment display, offered a practical and stylish layout. Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats provided exceptional comfort, and the second row offered ample legroom for adults. In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special edition based on the SR5 Premium trim. The 4Runner embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes reminiscent of the 1970s, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents. The exterior stood out with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, offering a nostalgic flair. Despite the retro touches, the 4Runner had a rugged, almost truck-like charm that harked back to its roots. The interior, while durable, leaned heavily on plastics, though they felt robust. With an emphasis on purposeful design, the controls were intuitive and easy to use, even when wearing gloves—a nod to its utilitarian nature. The seating, though comfortable, was encased in Toyota’s SofTex artificial leather for the 40 ASE, with options for heated and ventilated front seats in the Limited trim.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue heralded improvements with new powertrain updates. It featured a 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque—a significant boost over the previous year's model. The Variable Compression (VC) technology allowed the engine to adjust the compression ratio for performance and efficiency seamlessly. This resulted in a smoother, more dynamic driving experience. The newly updated CVT provided a broader range of gear ratios, enhancing responsiveness while maintaining fuel efficiency. The Rogue delivered an impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The vehicle’s chassis and suspension offered a balanced ride with minimal body roll, and the steering was precise, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner housed a robust 4.0-liter V6 engine, churning out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the 4Runner managed only 17 mpg in combined driving. The SUV supported substantial off-roading capabilities, with different 4WD systems available, including a part-time system standard on most trims and a full-time system optional on the Limited trim. Off-road enhancements varied across trims, with the TRD variants offering specialized suspensions for terrain adaptability. Although it had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a significant draw for those needing serious pulling power, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less refined. It had heavier steering, slow acceleration, and a brake pedal that needed better modulation, emphasizing its off-road intentions more than its urban usability.

Nissan designed the 2022 Rogue with practicality and comfort in mind. The front cabin was replete with storage solutions, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies. The cabin also featured numerous USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, additional storage options, and charge ports, making it a versatile family vehicle. The Rogue offered between 31.6 and 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet when the seats were folded flat. This generous cargo capacity made it a leader in the compact crossover segment. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, notable for its rear power window, provided a unique ventilation experience. The cabin, while rugged, had comfortable seats with heated options in higher trims. Despite its height, climbing in and out required some effort for shorter individuals. Ample storage was available, though many compartments lacked rubber liners, causing items to rattle. The second-row seating was spacious and comfortable, while the third-row seat option was cramped and ate into cargo space. Without the third-row seats, the 4Runner boasted a vast 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and a cavernous 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. This substantial cargo area emphasized its utility for adventures.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s technological upgrade in 2021 carried over to the 2022 model. The upper trims featured three significant screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation integrated Google Maps and Waze, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link represented a step towards autonomous driving, adjusting speed based on road conditions ahead. The Intelligent Key system allowed rear door access from the rear door handle, adding convenience for family use. Conversely, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a more traditional approach to technology. It featured analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen, with knobs and buttons designed for ease of use, even with gloves. Though more straightforward, it included all essential connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Upgrades like navigation and a JBL premium sound system were available. Despite the smaller screen and dated graphics, the infotainment system was user-friendly and functional. Voice recognition performed admirably, save for a few minor hiccups.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, nearing Level 2 autonomy by combining adaptive cruise control with steering assist. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite its ample safety features, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance.