Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Nissan Rogue

When the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned in 2019, it transitioned from its softer crossover aesthetics to a more rugged, blocky look. Its trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck lineup, added a robust feel, complemented by beveled and angular bodywork surrounding the headlights. Initially, this redesign stood out significantly, but in subsequent years, other manufacturers, like Honda with the CR-V and Mazda with the CX-50, have adopted similar approaches. Inside, the RAV4's angular design theme continued with a multi-tiered dashboard that featured beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to otherwise plain surfaces. The dashboard followed a common layout of the time, sporting an infotainment touchscreen at the center and a substantial number of physical buttons and knobs for primary controls. Material quality was typical for its class and price, with plenty of hard plastics but lightly padded areas where contact was frequent. However, the base model and the new Woodland trim opted for a downmarket urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which felt rubbery and cheap—luckily, higher trims featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Build quality was strong, with no detectable noises over rough pavement. For the 2024 Nissan Rogue, a significant styling update marked the first major refresh since its 2021-model-year launch. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. A new, larger grille integrated seamlessly with the stack headlights and distinctive daytime running lights. Even though Nissan updated the rear fascia, the notable change was in the redesigned inner taillight elements. Exterior touches like satin-finish badging, a new 18-inch wheel design for the Rogue SV, and a 19-inch machined-finish option for the Platinum rounded out the updates, while the Platinum also offered more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. The Rogue's dashboard was updated primarily to fit a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving the interior a more premium feel bolstered by nice-looking trim. The Rogue SV benefited from new materials throughout its interior, including the door panels, seats, center console, and dashboard, with most models also gaining dual-zone automatic climate control. The upscale design in the Platinum model, featuring leather seats with new Chestnut brown color and quilted stitching, added to the overall premium aura, avoiding the rubbery texture found in some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. These were coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels, while a second electric motor provided all-wheel drive (AWD). The combined power output of 219 horsepower propelled the RAV4 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds. This performance was about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4, although the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime was faster still, reaching 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Within its class, the RAV4 Hybrid kept pace, with the Kia Sportage hybrid being slightly quicker and the Honda CR-V Hybrid achieving 60 mph in 8 seconds. The brakes functioned like those of other vehicles, with the initial pedal stroke engaging regenerative braking to charge the hybrid battery, and under more aggressive stops, physical brakes took over seamlessly. The suspension smoothed out moderate bumps and potholes, delivering confident cornering without being sporty, which should appeal to most drivers. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid provided calm and effortless driving dynamics similar to its rivals. The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain showcased engineering ingenuity with its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Despite having one less cylinder than its competitors, this VC-Turbo engine, which could vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy, produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This output surpassed the Honda CR-V's 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the Subaru Forester’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer-four. Though the Toyota RAV4’s 2.5-liter inline-four had a bit more horsepower at 203 hp, its torque was significantly lower at 184 lb-ft. Despite the engine's capabilities, the standard CVT failed to deliver rapid power transfer to the wheels. Like many small crossovers, the Rogue’s FWD was standard with an available AWD option. However, Nissan didn’t design the Rogue as a driver’s car like the Mazda CX-5. The Rogue Platinum's suspension felt firmer, impacting ride quality without enhancing handling. It wasn’t particularly agile but maintained a quiet cabin. While the engine's performance was noteworthy, the droning exhaust note detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample front seat space for larger passengers, with rear seats comfortably accommodating average-sized adults. Although rear headroom measurements slightly exceeded those of the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, rear legroom was marginally less. However, the practical differences were minimal. Rear seat cushions were a bit low, potentially leaving taller passengers wanting more thigh support on long trips. Cargo space behind the rear seats was 37.5 cubic feet, just shy of the non-hybrid RAV4's capacity. This was comparable to the Honda CR-V’s 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage’s 39.3 cubic feet. The RAV4 excelled with its interior storage, providing a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a substantial center armrest bin. In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue offered comparable passenger space across both rows, with slight variations in legroom when compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester. The Rogue’s cargo capacity with the rear seats up was 36.5 cubic feet, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was less than the CR-V and Tucson, but more than the Forester. Nissan’s optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed customization of the cargo area, either offering hidden storage or maximizing cargo height, increasing flexibility. The Rogue Platinum’s center console featured a pass-through space, although accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a substantially upgraded infotainment system. The more modern, sharper graphics and logical menu arrangement were significant improvements. The screen, positioned atop the dashboard, minimized driver distraction. Most trims included an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with optional wireless charging. The system supported over-the-air updates, included a Wi-Fi hotspot, and offered remote monitoring and control. A fully digital instrument panel was available on the top trim, where the upgraded 11-speaker JBL audio replaced the standard six-speaker system. For the 2024 Nissan Rogue, the S and SV trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while SL and Platinum models upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These higher trims also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was unique in its segment for offering Google built-in, which integrated Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly into the vehicle’s system. While initial connectivity was free for five years, a data plan was needed for third-party apps. This streamlined connectivity was advantageous for Google users, though not as beneficial for those preferring Apple services. The Rogue’s dual 12.3-inch screens were visually pleasing, albeit with occasional slow boot times. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial of its Connect Services to three years, offering enhanced remote features.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned commendable safety ratings. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall and for side crashes, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS granted its highest "Good" ratings in most tests, except for "Acceptable" in moderate overlap frontal and side impacts, designating it a Top Safety Pick. Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite was standard, featuring forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking proximity sensors, and an optional surround-view camera system. The 2024 Nissan Rogue also received impressive safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most categories, with an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test and a "Good" headlight rating. The NHTSA gave the Rogue five stars overall, with five stars in side crashes and four stars in frontal and rollover 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. The ProPilot Assist system, standard on SV trims and more advanced on SL and Platinum trims, offered enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering and navigation-integrated proactive speed adjustments.