2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was positioned as a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the sliding doors giving away its minivan status, Toyota managed to inject SUV-like attributes into its design to appeal to the family-oriented but style-conscious market. With a history reaching back to Toyota's original Van from 1984, the Sienna lineage carried a legacy of minivan innovation. The 2021 model year marked the introduction of the fourth-generation Sienna, designed to stay relevant in a market increasingly dominated by SUVs.

The latest iteration carried forward the reputation with a front end that exuded a masculine feel. Toyota cleverly redesigned the door hinges and sliding mechanisms to hide the slider channel below the rear-side window frame, giving a more integrated and sleek look. The rear doors blended seamlessly with the rear fender well, and the entire profile boasted a confident stance. Wheel options began with 17-inch wheels on base models, escalating to 18-inch and even 20-inch wheels on higher trims.

Inside, the Sienna's cabin was configured to avoid a school bus ambiance, especially upfront. Clever storage solutions included an under-console space, large door pockets, and numerous cup holders (15 or 16, contingent on the inclusion of a spare tire). The second-row passengers enjoyed significant legroom, with available captain’s chairs coming with ottoman options. The third row featured a 60/40 split bench that folded into the floor for added cargo flexibility.

On the flip side, the 2023 Nissan Rogue represented a more mainstream approach to design, crafting an SUV that was adorned with rugged yet sophisticated styling. Nissan maintained a conservative design for its highly popular Rogue, ensuring it resonated with broad consumer tastes.

The Rogue lineup consisted of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices spanning from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination fee. Our Platinum test vehicle, equipped with the Premium option package and several other enhancements, elevated its MSRP to a significant $43,100. This loaded Platinum model certainly ventured into entry-luxury price brackets, overlapping with Nissan’s luxury division Infiniti's offerings.

Platinum models stood out through luxurious appointments such as soft, diamond-pattern leather seats, a high-end touch for a compact SUV. However, despite the upscale design elements, little effort was made to revolutionize the traditional appearance, maintaining a safe but appealing design ethos.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna carried over its hybrid-only powertrain from the 2021 model. This hybrid system, a first for the Toyota minivan range, was lauded for its surprising efficiency and performance. Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology was manifest across its vehicle lineup, and the Sienna was no exception. Employing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, it generated a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, but an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was available across all trims, utilizing a separate 54 hp electric motor for the rear wheels.

The Sienna's powertrain operated via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), featuring selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport) to tailor the driving experience. Notably, the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to superior handling, significantly reducing body roll and maintaining smooth highway performance.

Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the EPA rating the FWD models at 36 mpg in city, highway, and combined driving, and AWD models at 35 mpg across the board. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery, tucked under the front seats, came with a substantial 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to reliability.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Rogue saw a considerable update under the hood starting from the 2022 model year. The previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder got replaced by a newer 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine boasting Nissan’s variable compression (VC-Turbo) technology. This engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. A CVT with paddle shifters managed power delivery, and the Rogue was available as both FWD and AWD, with additional driving modes based on the drivetrain configuration.

Despite the sophisticated powertrain technology, the Rogue's performance in real-world scenarios could be hit-or-miss. While responsive in urban settings, the powertrain sometimes struggled with passing power on highways. There were mixed feelings about the engine's character, noise, and vibration, likely due to the unconventional three-cylinder setup.

EPA estimated combined fuel economy for the Rogue was 31 mpg, though real-world tests often resulted in lower figures, around 28.9 mpg. The Rogue also featured Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which enhanced its braking and handling characteristics, providing a balanced ride and secure handling.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was engineered to be a true family hauler. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo volume was extensive: 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and a whopping 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The standard towing capacity stood at 3,500 pounds, adding versatility for family excursions.

Convenience features like power-operated side sliding doors and a rear tailgate, activated via foot-motion sensors, provided user-friendly access even when carrying a child or heavy groceries. The third-row seats folded flat effortlessly, and storage was ample in every row, ensuring even long journeys were comfortable with plenty of space for essentials and more.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Rogue catered to families opting for a compact SUV over a midsize car. It excelled with easy entry and exit, better visibility from the higher driving position, and ample cargo and passenger space. Our Platinum test vehicle included high-end features like a tri-zone automatic climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, and plush, diamond-pattern leather seats. Infants and toddlers could benefit from an additional set of climate controls and window shades.

However, the Rogue’s rear seats were less comfortable compared to the Sienna’s, largely due to low cushion height and lack of leg support. Cargo space was commendable but not as generous as the Sienna: 36.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Unfortunately, the interior storage spaces were mostly unlined, potentially causing noise from stored items.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, starting with a standard 9-inch touchscreen that integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM, a USB media port, and six USB charging ports were also standard.

High-end trims (XLE and above) included remote connectivity features alongside a trial subscription to WiFi with AT&T. Qi wireless phone charging was standard on Limited and Platinum models, with an optional 1500-watt inverter and 120-volt AC outlet. The upgrade to a 12-speaker JBL system delivered immersive audio quality, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, enhancing the family journey experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue utilized an older infotainment system, offering either an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, with essential features like Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The test model also had an inbuilt navigation system and a wireless charging pad.

Despite these modern features, the voice recognition system showed limitations, struggling with straightforward commands. Yet, the digital instrumentation display and head-up display (HUD) were worthwhile additions, keeping the driver informed without distraction.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was highly praised for safety, attaining a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and even a tire inflator kit.

Similarly, the 2023 Nissan Rogue offered extensive safety features. The standard Safety Shield 360 suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link on higher trims combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, facilitating stress-free highway driving.

Like the Sienna, the Rogue attained a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, in updated testing, it earned only Marginal and Acceptable scores in certain crash scenarios.