2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor. Its exterior featured more pronounced creases and a trapezoidal theme that defined various elements like the tailgate and grille. The vehicle came equipped with projector-beam LED headlights across all trims, with higher trims boasting prettier LED running lamps and larger 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with a focus on quality fit and finish. The cabin featured silver-painted accents, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a pleasing colour palette. The Limited trim offered a luxurious three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, rivaling even the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a muscular and imposing presence. The front end featured a squared-off nose with a deeper V-Motion grille and standard LED headlamps. The exterior colour options were streamlined, with two-tone configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered cloth seating surfaces in most grades, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available on higher trims. The interior updates included a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, enhancing functionality and storage space. The Rogue's design improvements extended to better second-row access and headroom, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided smooth and brisk acceleration, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a less controlled ride. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was well-matched to the Rogue's weight, providing adequate performance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was significantly improved due to better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension. Fuel efficiency was competitive, with the FWD model rated at 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway. The Rogue's handling and stability were notable improvements over its predecessor.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with captain's chairs. The second row was versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,378 litres with seats folded. The Highlander featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders. However, the wireless charging pad's placement was inconvenient, blocking access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue provided a quieter cabin and improved second-row access with doors opening to 85 degrees. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with upgrades available on higher trims. The Platinum grade offered a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, providing 1,028 litres of space with seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The system allowed for cargo separation, though the rear seat split was less versatile than before.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. However, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Platinum trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, enhancing the driving experience. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless phone charging and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose audio system was a significant improvement, though the digital instrument cluster's graphics were hard to read. The Rogue's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured Nissan's Safety Shield 360, with forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for enhanced highway driving. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with improvements in later models.