2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim level, with the Platinum model offering the most luxurious interior.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, appeared unassuming despite its fully loaded status. Its styling was tough for a compact SUV, though larger alloy wheels would have enhanced its appearance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some glossy hard plastics. The interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls. However, a rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was noted during testing. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable and practical interior, though it lacked some of the upscale touches found in the Venza.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder direct-injected engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This represented a modest improvement over the previous generation. The engine was well-matched to the Rogue's weight, ranging from 1,536 kg for the FWD S grade to 1,653 kg for the AWD Platinum model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, though no alternate powertrain was available. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the FWD model rated at 8.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.1 combined, while the AWD version increased slightly to 9.2 city, 7.2 highway, and 8.3 combined. The Rogue's handling improved significantly, with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively despite its curb weight of up to 1,720 kg. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined rating of 6.0 L/100 km, and our testing loop averaged 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was well-executed. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and stable ride, though the all-season tires limited grip in corners. The SUV handled well on various road conditions, and its 20.6 cm ground clearance allowed for light off-road capability.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered several functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SV trim added a 360-degree camera, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned cargo system with 1,028 litres of space with seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded. The cargo system allowed for a 5 cm floor height adjustment and a panel to separate cargo.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with reclining backrests and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and cupholders. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the premium sound system's subwoofer and the all-weather mat took up some cargo space.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. A 10.8-inch head-up display was also included, though the digital instrument cluster's graphics were hard to read.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM and various connected services. Our test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for highway driving. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing and adaptive cruise control had some quirks. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.