2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Nissan Rogue sported a sophisticated design with chiseled styling and an attractive SUV detailing, portraying a rugged aesthetic without compromising on elegance. Shoppers had the choice among S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging significantly based on selected options and packages. Amongst available options, the Platinum trim with the Premium package, tested here, featured luxuries like soft leather seats and quality interior materials, pushing it into the premium vehicle category despite its traditional branding. Contrastingly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained a design introduced in 2019 across its six trims. Our focus was on the Adventure trim, which featured a more aggressive front end, stylized black accents, and off-road stylings that were more about appearance than actual rugged capabilities. The interior, while functional, lacked a bit in luxury compared to the Rogue, leaning more towards utility with fabric and synthetic leather option based on the trim.

The Nissan Rogue's shift to a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder from the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine marked a significant change, delivering 201 horsepower and a notable torque. While this new engine demonstrated good performance in urban settings and a sophisticated CVT that managed smooth transitions, it was less impressive on highways and emitted noticeable vibrations, which could be off-putting. On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a more traditional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing a reliable, if not thrilling, drive. The Adventure trim felt robust but wasn't truly equipped for serious off-roading compared to its TRD Off-Road sibling.

In terms of interior and utility, the Rogue excelled with thoughtful amenities. The Platinum trim featured a hands-free power liftgate opening up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet, surpassing the RAV4’s 37.5 cubic feet or 69.8 cubic feet with folded seats. Moreover, Rogue’s passenger comfort was highlighted with features like Zero Gravity seats, although the rear seating was noted for its discomfort. The Toyota RAV4, while slightly less spacious in terms of cargo compared to the Rogue, offered a comfortable setup for passengers and practical storage solutions, particularly in the front row.

Technology in both vehicles saw significant investments. The Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system that, despite its age, offered a 9-inch touchscreen, various connectivity options including wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. Conversely, the Toyota RAV4 brought a fresher interface with its updated infotainment system standardizing an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with a larger 10.5-inch available on higher trims along with a premium JBL audio system.

Both SUVs were equipped with comprehensive safety suites. The Nissan Rogue came with standard features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, bolstered by available upgrades such as ProPilot Assist which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. It received high safety ratings, though with some variations in newer test modes. Toyota’s RAV4 also packed significant safety technology within the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 package and maintained commendable safety scores throughout, reflecting its commitment to passenger security in various driving conditions.