2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) gave a retro nod to the past, with its yellow, orange, and red stripes, groovy bronze 17-inch wheels, and SoCal vibe. The test model, based on the SR5 Premium trim, stood out with a heritage grille design, assorted bronze badges, and artificial leather interior. Toyota’s decision to offer the 40 ASE only in black, white, or red paint further emphasized its nostalgia-driven appeal. The truck-based SUV’s purposeful interior, filled with robust plastic, felt solid and designed for practical use, including easy-to-operate controls that could be managed even while wearing gloves.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue opted for a more traditional, handsomely chiseled design. Nissan’s most popular model boasted proper proportions, aiming for handsomely rugged aesthetics without veering into extreme styling choices. The Platinum trim test vehicle, dressed in two-tone paint and additional exterior and interior enhancements, felt sophisticated. It matched the upscale vibe of compact crossovers like the Infiniti QX50 with diamond-pattern leather seats and numerous upscale touches. However, the Rogue was more about subtle elegance and practical design, as opposed to the 4Runner’s retro flair.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner ran on a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and the SUV’s fuel economy stood at 17 mpg in combined driving, with our 40 ASE trim test returning nearly 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions with a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and an array of off-roading technologies like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Certain trims offered additional ride and performance enhancements tailored for on-road or off-road conditions. Despite its prowess in rugged environments, the 4Runner was cumbersome in urban settings due to its heavy steering and sluggish acceleration.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, impressed with 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue aimed to balance performance and fuel economy. While it was nimble in urban and suburban driving, the engine lacked passing power on highways and emitted a unique sound and vibration typical of three-cylinder engines. The test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg despite EPA ratings of 31 mpg in combined driving. The Rogue’s ride quality was maintained by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, along with a robust strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension setup. Despite its generally efficient handling, it exhibited more body motion on undulating pavement and modest tire grip.

Toyota’s 2023 4Runner was a practical SUV, especially notable for its power-down rear window in the tailgate, creating an airy driving experience. Getting in and out required some effort for shorter individuals, but once inside, occupants found comfortable seating. The rear seat offered abundant legroom and headroom, along with air conditioning vents and USB ports. A third row was an option, though it compromised cargo space and comfort. Cargo space in the five-passenger configuration was considerable, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down. Numerous storage cubbies and trays, though unlined, provided additional practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue compensated for its lower ride height with excellent accessibility and visibility from a raised driving position. The rear seats could comfortably fit up to three passengers, though the middle seat might feel cramped. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and leather-wrapped heated seats. Front seats employed Nissan’s Zero Gravity design for enhanced comfort, though the rear seats’ low cushion was less supportive. The Rogue’s cargo area offered 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats down. Nissan’s Divide-N-Hide feature added further versatility.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner prioritized traditional controls with analog gauges and a simplistic 8-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system. Despite its seemingly dated interface, the system was effective, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The voice recognition technology was reliable, and you could transform the SUV into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium audio system, though tweaking audio settings was necessary for an optimal listening experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a more modern but slightly flawed infotainment system. It came with either an 8-inch or a 9-inch touchscreen, coupled with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Platinum trim tested also had a wireless charging pad and premium Bose audio. While the setup was feature-rich, the voice recognition system struggled with basic commands. The test vehicle also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both effective under normal conditions.

Toyota’s Safety Sense suite covered essential safety features for the 2023 4Runner, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New for the year were standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, receiving only four stars overall from NHTSA, with notable three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue provided a comprehensive range of safety features, from 10 airbags and Safety Shield 360 to ProPilot Assist with Navi-link on higher trims. ProPilot Assist was particularly effective at integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist on highways. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS but faltered in updated impact tests, scoring Marginal and Acceptable in small overlap frontal and side impact tests, respectively. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were slightly lower at four stars.