2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue maintained its position as a key player in the compact crossover segment, using its matured and refined design language to appeal to a broad range of buyers. Overhauled in 2021, the 2022 model carried forward its sophisticated aesthetic without any major changes. The V-motion grille, paired with multi-level LED headlights and LED fog lamps on higher trims, produced a sleek, contemporary look. The redesign also incorporated functional design elements like active grille shutters, underbody covers, and an "air curtain" to streamline airflow, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. The floating roof illusion, due to the darkened supporting pillars, added to this modern look, while the slightly bulging liftgate provided a robust finish.

Inside, the Rogue followed contemporary design trends with a layered dash, featuring distinct horizontal layers that often employed contrasting colors and textures across various trim levels. The center console, equipped with an electronic gear selector, created an open space underneath, perfect for storage. This area had the flexibility to accommodate everything from everyday items like a handbag to unconventional cargo like a bucket of fried chicken. The console also featured two large cupholders and a wireless charging pad, while a sizable storage cubby lay beneath the center armrest. The upper trims boasted a 9-inch center infotainment display that was strategically placed near the driver’s line of sight, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and Zero Gravity front seats known for their comfort and support.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was marketed in six distinct trim levels, offering something for every buyer, from the entry-level LE to the luxurious Limited, even including off-road-focused models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road. The Adventure trim that we reviewed came with a more robust appearance, incorporating an aggressively styled grille, black wheels, and accentuated black cladding around the wheel arches. While the look mimicked off-road capability, only the TRD Off-Road had functional off-road equipment like a real skid plate and superior suspension components.

The RAV4's interior, particularly in the Adventure trim, featured orange accents that added a playful touch to its otherwise utilitarian design. The central console was straightforward, with a frameless rearview mirror enhancing the premium feel, though the cabin overall remained fairly basic and truck-like. Passenger comfort varied by trim level, with lower trims featuring fabric seats and the XLE Premium transition to synthetic leather (SofTex) upholstery. Higher trims offered power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats, with memory functionality for the driver. All models but the base trim included dual-zone climate control.

In 2022, the Nissan Rogue felt revitalized thanks to its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, a marvel of engineering that allowed variable compression to optimize performance and efficiency. This three-cylinder engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost over the previous year’s model. This newfound power did wonders for the Rogue’s performance, making it more dynamic in various driving situations. Alongside this upgrade, the Rogue also boasted a new CVT automatic transmission with wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and response. Despite the inherent drone often associated with CVTs, this improved gearbox managed to deliver a more engaging driving experience. The SUV handled adeptly, with a refined chassis and suspension system ensuring a smooth ride with minimal body roll. Its electric power-assisted steering and tight turning radius further contributed to an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, by comparison, depended on its tried-and-true 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While its eight-speed automatic transmission was a welcome alternative to a CVT, it didn’t offer the same level of spirited performance as the Rogue’s new engine. The RAV4’s engine setup leaned more towards delivering consistent yet unremarkable acceleration, often accompanied by a noticeable engine noise.

When examining the off-road-focused trims, the RAV4 Adventure, equipped with 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, couldn’t compete with its TRD Off-Road sibling, which came equipped with 18-inch wheels, Falken All-Terrain tires, and TRD-tuned suspension components, making it more adept at handling rugged terrains.

Nissan's careful refinement of the 2022 Rogue shone through in its interior layout and cargo capacity. Designed with practicality in mind, the Rogue featured an abundance of storage solutions within the cabin, such as bottle holders in the doors, ample cubbies in the dash, a generously sized glove compartment, and a tray beneath the center console. Additionally, charging options were plentiful with USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets in the center stack.

The rear seats also offered various storage options and charging ports, making long journeys more manageable for passengers. The Rogue’s 60/40 split reclining bench in the second row contributed to its versatility. In terms of cargo space, the Rogue was quite generous, offering 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and a remarkable 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided a commendable amount of passenger space, especially in the rear, where it excelled in headroom with 39.5 inches. Front-row legroom was competitive at 41 inches, though the narrower back seat might limit comfort if three adults were seated there. Storage space within the cabin featured practical solutions, such as a shelf along the glove compartment and ample door pockets. The center console was simpler, but effective, with side-by-side cupholders and a robust lever-style gear shifter.

In terms of cargo capacity, the RAV4 delivered 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it a solid contender though slightly trailing the Rogue in overall cargo volume.

Nissan had embraced modern technology with the 2022 Rogue, following its 2021 upgrade to include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment display, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on top trims. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. The ProPilot Assist, particularly with Navi-Link integration, added an advanced layer to its driver-assist capabilities, using onboard navigation data to adjust speeds accordingly.

Toyota responded by upgrading the 2023 RAV4’s infotainment system, offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.5-inch touchscreen on higher trims like the Limited and TRD Off-Road. Including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features was a significant update, alongside an overhauled voice command system and a robust multimedia package. The upgraded JBL audio system available on select trims improved the overall infotainment experience, along with customizable driver-information displays ranging from 7-inch to 12.3-inch options.

Safety was a strong suit for both crossovers, each equipped with comprehensive safety suites. The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all trims, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Advanced features like ProPilot Assist offered a semi-autonomous driving experience, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 likewise left no stone unturned in safety, featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control was standard across all trims, and the RAV4 excelled in crash testing with the IIHS, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award.