2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for FWD or AWD. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an appealing yet slightly exaggerated look. Inside, the Rogue's age showed through its waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms, which contrasted with the modern angular designs of newer vehicles. While the plastic surfaces were unimpressive, the padded centre console sides provided a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Venza, shorter and lower than the RAV4, was often compared to a Lexus in appearance, with its sleek grille and elongated profile reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours and a long list of standard features, including LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a wireless charging pad. The Venza's interior was unique, with premium appointments like piano black capacitive buttons and a deep centre console with various controls and ports. The Venza Limited trim added luxurious touches like a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Weighing up to 1,664 kg, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, with a Sport mode that failed to deliver excitement. The CVT managed power well, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during highway merging or passing. Fuel efficiency was disappointing, with real-world testing showing 9.4 L/100 km, higher than the expected 8.2 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid system with a 2.5-litre engine and electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza provided smooth acceleration and sufficient power for passing. The e-CVT contributed to a noisy cabin during acceleration, but the ride was quiet at cruising speeds. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors. Its handling was confident and typical of Toyota, with AWD providing stability. Toyota's hybrid powertrain came with a 10-year/240,000-km warranty, adding peace of mind for buyers.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with limited seat adjustment options. The rear seats, however, offered excellent comfort and visibility, with stadium-style seating and a panoramic moonroof. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area was spacious, with 1,112 litres of space and a Divide-n-Hide system for organization.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was practical and stylish, with premium materials and a unique design. The centre stack featured capacitive buttons and a large infotainment screen, while the deep centre console provided ample storage and connectivity options. The Venza's seats were comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with more headroom than the RAV4. Cargo space was 816 litres, less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use, with easy-to-use quick-flip seat releases for additional space.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional navigation and Bose audio. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen with the Entune system, which, while improved, was not the most user-friendly. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system on higher trims. Toyota's connected services provided additional functionality, and dynamic navigation used cloud-based technology for real-time route guidance.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were not stellar, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and no IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available. The Venza received a 5-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, reflecting its strong safety credentials.