2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. Available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe, reminiscent of 1970s aesthetics. The 4Runner lineup included multiple trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had no options and an MSRP of $48,455.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum models. A new, larger grille complemented the stack headlights and daytime running lights, while the rear fascia featured redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV got new 18-inch wheels, and the Platinum trim boasted 19-inch machined-finish wheels and more black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue Platinum test car had a premium feel with leather seats, quilted stitching, and a new Chestnut brown color option. The dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the overall upscale interior design.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 16.9 mpg in the 40 ASE. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system available on the Limited trim. Off-road capabilities included a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Additional off-roading technologies were available depending on the trim level.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This VC-Turbo engine could vary its compression ratio to emphasize power or fuel economy. Despite its impressive engine, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The suspension in the Rogue Platinum test car felt firmer than the segment norm, affecting ride quality without improving handling. However, the Rogue was quiet, and the engine's performance was notable, even if the exhaust note was less impressive.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's back window powered down into the tailgate, providing an immersive driving experience with the sunroof and all windows down. The 4Runner's interior featured comfortable seats, with heated and ventilated leather seats available in the Limited trim. The 40 ASE test vehicle had SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. Storage locations were numerous but lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area offered several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. With the third-row seat, cargo space was limited to 9 cubic feet, but with five-passenger seating, it offered 46.3 cubic feet, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered nearly identical passenger space to its competitors, with differences in legroom. The Rogue's maximum cargo space was 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for a flat cargo floor with hidden storage or a lower floor for increased cargo height. The cargo area also had a molded-in space for grocery bags and an available power liftgate. The center console featured a pass-through space for added flexibility, though the storage tray at floor level was awkward to reach.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available with complimentary trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't find reggae music or change cabin temperature.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower-level S and SV models came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Google built-in apps. Google built-in integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, and the Google Play app store directly with the vehicle's infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the touchscreen in the Rogue Platinum test car was slow to boot up. The Rogue also had multiple USB-C ports and a wireless device charging pad. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock, remote engine start/stop, vehicle health reports, and emergency calling.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's Toyota Safety Sense included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but the lane-departure warning was irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in rollover and frontal crash tests. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, and ProPilot Assist added automated lane centering for highway driving. The SL and Platinum trims had a more advanced version of ProPilot Assist that used the navigation system to help slow for curves and interchanges.