2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received the first major styling update since the current generation launched in 2021. It maintained its lineup of trim levels, including S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The update featured a new, larger grille that blended seamlessly with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, enhancing the Rogue’s distinctive look. The rear fascia was updated with redesigned inner taillight elements, although the changes were subtle. Satin-finish exterior badging graced the model, along with new 18-inch wheels for the SV grade and 19-inch machined-finish wheels for the Platinum trim. The Platinum grade also benefited from an increased amount of black exterior trim and an optional black roof.

Interior-wise, Nissan enhanced the dashboard to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This freestanding screen, along with the rest of the updated dash, contributed to a more premium feel compared to some competitors. The Rogue SV models received new materials across the interior, including the door panels, seats, center console, and dashboard. Dual-zone automatic climate control was also standard on most models. For the Platinum grade, the interior featured new Chestnut brown leather seats with quilted stitching, providing a luxurious touch.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims, didn’t shy away from cutting a distinctive look either. Its sleek front and rear fascias, coupled with cool colors like deep blue, red, and green, kept the swagger wagon vibe alive. Upper trims boasted Bi-LED projector headlamps to enhance night driving. The XSE trim focused on sportiness with a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels.

For those interested in venturing off-road, the Woodland Edition came in exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic colors, designed to be a bit more rugged with its roof rails, tow hitch, and slightly increased ground clearance. Interior offerings started with cloth seats and three-zone climate control, with the XSE trim and its Premium package upgrading to leather-trimmed, heated, and cooled front seats, alongside a leather-trimmed power steering wheel.

The Sienna's horizontal design lines added to a sense of spaciousness, with a fixed center console incorporating useful features like satin accents, cup holders, and an easily accessible shifter. The built-in vacuum cleaner available on upper trims was a practical touch for a family vehicle.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue’s powertrain turned heads with its engineering. A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan’s VC-Turbo series, allowed variations in compression ratio to optimize either power or fuel economy. At 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, the engine outperformed several competitors, including the Honda CR-V’s standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the Subaru Forester’s 2.5-liter boxer-four. However, the Rogue’s CVT lagged in transferring engine thrust to the wheels efficiently, detracting from its overall driving experience despite the engine's capabilities. The ride quality of the Rogue Platinum test vehicle was notably firm, which reduced its appeal as a daily driver, favoring noise reduction but failing to improve handling.

On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid system combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, totaling 245 horsepower. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drives, the AWD utilized an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. However, the Sienna prioritized smoothness over speed, resulting in a sluggish off-the-line performance. The CVT contributed to a lack of excitement, although it provided smooth acceleration. Around-town driving was mostly pleasant with modes to suit various driving conditions, though the brakes were occasionally grabby.

For driving satisfaction, the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica might offer more spirited performance with their V6 engines.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space compared to others in the compact crossover segment with similar dimensions in both rows. However, it lagged slightly in cargo space, offering 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded—less than the Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson but more than the Subaru Forester. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed flexible use of the cargo area, either as a flat floor with hidden storage underneath or a lower floor for increased space. Additionally, the cargo area featured a molded-in space for securing grocery bags and a power or motion-activated liftgate on upper trims. Up front, the center console offered a pass-through and a storage tray, though accessing the tray was a bit awkward.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and functionality. Up front, the lower storage pass-through accommodated bulky items, while several cupholders and a shelf above the glovebox with a wireless charging pad provided ample storage. The powered side doors allowed easy access to the second row, where captain’s chairs could slide 25 inches to provide up to 40 inches of legroom. Though the second-row seats couldn’t be removed, limiting maximum cargo space, adults found it easy to access the third row, which offered generous legroom when the second row was adjusted. The third row also tilted for extra comfort.

Every Sienna included tri-zone climate control, with upper trims adding another zone for the front passenger. The rear liftgate, activated by a kick motion, opened to reveal 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row stowed, the space expanded to 75 cubic feet and maxed out at 101 cubic feet with the second row folded, outpacing the Rogue’s cargo capacity.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue boasted a diverse tech suite. Lower trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Google built-in apps—a first for Nissan. Google built-in offered integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps, although after five years, a vehicle data plan was required for connectivity. While the interface promised smoother performance and easier connectivity for Google users, it might be less relevant for those preferring Apple Maps. The Rogue’s setup featured graphics that were modern and user-friendly, although the system was occasionally slow to boot up.

Additionally, the Rogue provided ample USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on upper trims. Nissan Connect Services, available on all but the base model, extended its free trial period to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock, remote engine start/stop, vehicle health reports, and emergency calling.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna leveraged an older infotainment system centered around a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It integrated physical buttons for easy navigation between audio, navigation, phone, and home menus. However, the backup camera’s grainy display was a letdown for a 2024 model. Analog gauges were present with a 7-inch digital display showing essential info. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system. Additionally, a rear-camera mirror and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system were available, albeit with unimpressive resolution. Numerous USB ports and two 1500-watt inverters enhanced device connectivity and power.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue performed well in safety evaluations. It earned top “Good” ratings in several IIHS crash tests and an "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The Rogue also received a five-star overall safety rating from 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 with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s advanced driver assistance system, which provided automated lane centering and proactive slowing for curves and interchanges.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Despite adaptive cruise control’s smooth functionality, the lane-keeping assist showed some side-to-side movement. Safety features included numerous airbags, a rear-seat belt reminder, and a system that prompted drivers to check the rear seats before leaving the vehicle. NHTSA awarded the Sienna four out of five stars for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it highly in crashworthiness and child restraint systems, though it was rated “Average” in front crash prevention.