2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability with a tougher look. The Trail trim, introduced in the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model year saw the introduction of the TRD Off-Road package, which further enhanced its off-road prowess with specialized suspension, all-terrain tires, and distinctive styling elements. Inside, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials, though some plastics appeared inexpensive. The RAV4 lineup offered a range of trims, with the XLE trim providing a good balance of equipment and value.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, maintained an attractive design despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels enhancing its appeal. However, the interior revealed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The SL Platinum trim offered thoughtful touches like padded console sides for driver comfort. While the Rogue's exterior design remained appealing, the interior's dated elements and lack of modern design cues were noticeable. The Rogue's simplicity in trim levels and engine options made it straightforward, but the interior design and materials left room for improvement.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road package. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain provided adequate performance, especially in Sport mode, but a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and downhill assist control, making it capable off-road. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road handled urban environments well, though its all-terrain tires weren't ideal for fast mountain driving. Fuel efficiency averaged 10.0 L/100 km, missing the official estimate of 8.6 L/100 km.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single engine and transmission option, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue's performance was underwhelming, especially during highway acceleration and passing. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was also disappointing, achieving no better than 9.4 L/100 km during testing, compared to the expected 8.2 L/100 km. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was not particularly engaging. The steering was lifeless, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with seating hip points at an ideal height. The driver's seat provided a sporty driving position, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but offered good support. The RAV4 Trail featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo capacity of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4 also featured robust roof rails and a roof rack for added utility.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior comfort was compromised for taller drivers, as the driver's seat height adjustment was limited. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating. Rear-seat passengers benefited from a high seating position, good legroom, and a panoramic glass moonroof, making it a preferred location. The Rogue's in-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 1,112 litres of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system enhancing utility.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly and practical. Depending on the trim, it featured a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Trail trim's 8-inch system was easy to use, with menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. Upgrades included navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was impressive, and the vehicle offered wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services with remote access and safety features. However, the Rogue's 7-inch touchscreen interface was dated, with slow response times and subpar voice-recognition technology, detracting from its tech appeal.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights qualified. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, providing additional safety features.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection and headlight performance preventing a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.