2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 configurations available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck lineage, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its adventurous spirit. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. Despite its age, the 4Runner offered a range of trims and packages, each with unique features tailored to different driving needs.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, fully available at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kilograms for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kilograms for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue's handling was significantly better than the previous generation, thanks to improved torsional rigidity, reduced weight, and updated suspension systems. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel drive configuration achieving 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.0 on the highway.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While reliable, this engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll. However, off-road, the suspension excelled, absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all price points. The cabin was quieter, and a new shift-by-wire system added a large storage compartment under the centre stack. Rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 2,540 litres of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. The three-row 4Runner offered 2,514 litres of maximum cargo space, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window. While not a masterclass in cabin packaging, the 4Runner offered ample space for gear, though it could be more efficient.

Most 2021 Nissan Rogues were equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay. It also included a 10.8-inch head-up display and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was straightforward, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system relied on tactile controls, beneficial for off-road driving. Navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later versions.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The 4Runner earned four stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.