2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based construction, a nod to its origins in the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its roots, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts, while Toyota's Highlander handled family-hauling duties. The 4Runner's adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle approach. Inside, the 4Runner's functional design was a reminder of its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout that felt very late-2000s.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated styling. The exterior featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The center console was a highlight, offering space beneath it, large cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and a big storage cubby. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort for passengers, while the fit and finish, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was reliable and provided decent acceleration off the line. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. Yet, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and root beds. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. When properly equipped, the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an 11 percent increase in horsepower and a 24 percent increase in torque compared to the 2021 model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed it to adjust the compression ratio for better power or efficiency as needed. The Rogue's new CVT transmission had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the new engine's lively character well, delivering a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering provided good feel, and the 35.4-foot turning diameter was tight.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row version had slightly less space, with 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third row was optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, increasing seating capacity from five to seven. The 4Runner did not have a power rear liftgate, but it featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin had numerous places to stash items, including bottle holders in the doors, cupholders in the console, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and cubbies in the dash. The Rogue also offered USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets in the center stack, along with a wireless charging pad. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area could hold 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of luggage, depending on configuration, and offered 74.1 cubic feet of space with the second row folded flat.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and benefited from hard buttons and dials, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, which were helpful for off-road driving.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology was upgraded in its 2021 redesign and carried over to the 2022 model. Upper trim levels featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands for navigation and offered wireless Apple CarPlay on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system could adjust speed proactively based on road conditions ahead. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view parking camera system. The TRD Pro also came with an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and three stars for rollover testing. It had not yet been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking with 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, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. Available safety features included blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition. ProPilot Assist, available on upper trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control to help control acceleration, braking, and steering. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.