Nissan Rogue vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was available in five trims, with the SV trim being particularly popular due to its balance of features and price, starting at $30,930 before destination charges. The SV trim included amenities such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control. The Platinum trim, which we tested, offered a luxurious experience with semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in was a standout feature, providing seamless navigation and connectivity. The Rogue's exterior, finished in Champagne Silver Metallic with an optional two-tone color scheme, presented a bold and sporty look, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD, and two battery sizes. Our test vehicle, the XLE with FWD and the larger battery, was priced at $40,468. The bZ's design improvements over its predecessor included body-color trim and a cleaner interior layout. The dashboard featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated with climate controls, while the seats offered comfort and support with power adjustments and heating. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. The bZ's exterior was enhanced with Heavy Metal paint and practical features like door sill protectors and wheel locks.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, paired with a CVT. While it provided adequate power for everyday driving, it lacked the punch for rapid acceleration. The drivetrain was smooth and quiet, with AWD available for an additional cost. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, though not particularly sporty, and the braking system was smooth and reliable.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrains, with the XLE FWD featuring a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, producing 165 horsepower and a range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor AWD models delivered 338 hp and varied ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's regenerative braking system was adjustable but lacked one-pedal driving capability. The vehicle was comfortable for city driving, though its handling on winding roads was limited by its tires and steering response.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was well-designed, with quilted leather seating and a user-friendly layout. The steering wheel and HVAC controls were easily accessible, and the front seats were comfortable and supportive. Rear legroom was competitive at 38.5 inches, and the cargo area offered 31.6 cubic feet of space, with additional storage options like the Divide-and-Hide system. The cabin featured creative storage solutions, including a compartment beneath the center console.

The 2026 Toyota bZ's interior was spacious, with an EV platform providing easy access and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The seats offered power adjustments and heating, with the Limited trim adding ventilation. Storage options included a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was limited. The cargo area provided 27.7 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage and a maximum capacity of 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in lower trims, while upper trims like the Platinum offered a 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive, with quick response times and useful features like Google navigation. ProPilot Assist provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads, and a wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the base of the center console.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered connected services like Drive Connect and Intelligent Assistant. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors were noted drawbacks.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included ProPilot Assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but its headlights and frontal-impact crash tests received lower ratings.