2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements revealed their purpose over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, improved driver visibility and emphasized functionality. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather seating and functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack was filled with controls for various systems, and the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges. Overall, the interior was comfortable and functional, though somewhat dull.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, maintained an attractive appearance despite its age. The bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells were balanced by the appealing 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The waterfall control panel and rounded forms were outdated compared to modern designs. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue SL offered thoughtful touches like padded console sides for driver comfort. The interior space was more accommodating for rear passengers, with high seat cushions and excellent visibility, enhanced by the panoramic sunroof.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, achieving an EPA-estimated 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by its suspension and chassis geometry, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32, 24, and 21 degrees, respectively. It boasted a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob for various driving conditions. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. While the powertrain was adequate for everyday driving, it struggled during acceleration and uphill climbs. The EPA estimated 29 mpg combined for FWD models, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it lacked excitement. The steering was lifeless, and the CVT drone detracted from the driving experience, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual nature as a commuter and overlander was evident in its design. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards for off-road adventures, while the roof rack and windshield wiper de-icer added practicality. The standard model offered a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with limited seat adjustment options. However, rear passengers enjoyed stadium-style seating with excellent thigh support and visibility. The Rogue offered 39 cubic feet of cargo space, underfloor storage, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system. While in-cabin storage was limited, the Rogue excelled in cargo utility.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional but small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful addition for off-road and daily driving.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue impressed with its infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system. NissanConnect Services offered remote access and safety features, but the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated and slow to respond. The voice-recognition technology also fell short, impacting the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust structure and advanced safety features provided reassurance. It came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including pre-collision and lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Land Cruiser also featured 10 airbags, active headrests, and a comprehensive safety system.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered Safety Shield 360 as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional options included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with IIHS testing.