2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a somewhat understated exterior design, with subtle changes from its predecessor, such as a more slanted tailgate glass and pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. While the base trims featured projector-beam LED headlights, the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. Despite the exterior's lack of excitement, the Highlander's interior was a different story. Toyota focused on quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that housed an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, rivaling the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue maintained an attractive appearance despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The SL Platinum trim, equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, added to its appeal. However, the interior revealed its age, with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The Rogue's seats, though undersized, featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating. While the front seats posed comfort challenges for taller drivers, the rear seats offered excellent thigh support and legroom, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The Rogue's cargo area was spacious, with 1,112 litres of space and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system, though in-cabin storage was limited.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Highlander offered smooth and brisk acceleration, akin to the Lexus RX. The eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently utilized the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. Despite its new chassis, the Highlander suffered from loose steering and a soft suspension, leading to a floaty ride. However, it provided a calming driving experience, especially on long trips. The AWD system on higher trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing its handling capabilities. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km city and 8.3 L/100 km highway.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for everyday driving, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during highway merging or passing. The CVT managed the power well, but the engine's response was often more noise than action. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with the Rogue achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing, despite official ratings suggesting better performance. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it lacked the fun-to-drive factor. The steering was lifeless, and the suspension offered limited isolation, making the driving experience more of an endurance than enjoyment.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were commendable, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seat heights. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control, with upper trims offering a panoramic moonroof and heated second-row seats. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. The Highlander also featured practical storage solutions, though the wireless charging pad obstructed access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, though featuring Zero Gravity design, posed comfort challenges for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, offered excellent support and legroom, with a stadium-style seating arrangement. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the rear passengers' experience, along with rear climate control vents and USB charging ports. While in-cabin storage was limited, the Rogue excelled in cargo space, offering 1,112 litres behind the back seat. The Divide-n-Hide cargo management system and underfloor storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Platinum trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the JBL audio system, though decent, was not exceptional. Safety Connect and factory navigation offered additional connectivity and convenience features.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered navigation, a Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services, which provided remote access and safety features. However, the 7-inch touchscreen and interface were outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition. Despite its sophisticated features, the Rogue's tech experience was hindered by its dated interface.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, thanks to its top crash test ratings and effective emergency braking.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included ProPilot Assist, which offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to issues with frontal-impact protection and headlights.