2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck underpinnings, sharing a close relationship with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family-hauling duties. This allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts.

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 vehicle's function-first design was apparent, though the dash layout showed its age, harking back to its last redesign in 2009. The 2022 model offered various trims, including the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features catering to different driving needs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, showcased a more modern and appealing design, crucial for attracting buyers. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came loaded with upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of driver and passenger comforts. Despite its high price, the Platinum trim offered a luxurious experience, rivaling entry-level luxury crossovers.

The Rogue's design was practical and family-friendly, with a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults and could fit a fifth person when needed. The Platinum trim added premium touches like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats that felt uncomfortable.

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. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. The new powertrain felt responsive in urban and suburban driving but lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's unusual note and vibration through the accelerator pedal might be off-putting to some drivers. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The Rogue's ride quality was generally good, with a balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The three-row version had 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. The cabin, though not cramped, could have been more efficient in its use of space.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a replacement for the traditional family car, offering a higher driving position, better visibility, and a more practical cargo area. The Rogue comfortably seated four adults, with the option to fit a fifth person. The Platinum trim added premium features like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats that felt uncomfortable. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload kids. The cargo area offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the back seat, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for six different cargo configurations.

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. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials surrounding the screen. While it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it covered the tech basics and relied on tactile controls, which were helpful when driving with gloves on. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, often providing incorrect or irrelevant results. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, such as 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 parking 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 2023 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in updated small overlap frontal-impact and side-impact tests.