2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Nissan Rogue presented a fresh and handsome new styling, giving it a more SUV-like appearance compared to its predecessors. It featured dark gray plastic cladding along its lower perimeter, with bold simulated skid plates and lower door protection that added a rugged touch, though some might have found the rear bumper a bit too audacious. The Rogue's modern aesthetic was further enhanced by clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design. Aluminum wheels, available in sizes up to 19 inches, were standard across all trims, and an optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment gave the SUV a custom look.

The Rogue was available in four versions: the entry-level Rogue S, the popular Rogue SV, the slightly more luxurious Rogue SL, and the upscale Rogue Platinum. Each trim offered a variety of features, with the Platinum trim boasting semi-aniline quilted leather and other upscale amenities. The interior of the Rogue SL test vehicle was light and bright, featuring an Almond color leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof. The cabin was designed with abundant soft-touch surfaces, appealing simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, lending a sense of quality. The controls were arranged in a clean and logical fashion, and the Platinum trim offered a luxurious look with quilted leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior design adhered to the maxim that "good taste never goes out of style." It featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and relatively unadorned body sides with proud, straight lines. The Sequoia appeared large in person, with dimensions of 77 inches in height, 79.9 inches in width, and 205.1 inches in length, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. Its ground clearance ranged from 9.6 to 10 inches, making the standard running boards a welcome addition for ease of entry and exit. The Sequoia's alloy wheels, ranging from 18 to 20 inches depending on the trim level, filled the wheel wells nicely.

Inside, the Sequoia's age was more apparent, with a design that felt somewhat dated compared to modern trends. The dashboard appeared flat and old-fashioned, and the 7-inch touchscreen seemed like a relic from another era. However, the Sequoia's interior was typical of Toyota's high-quality standards, with tight seams, even gaps, and durable materials. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia current, featuring darkened chrome or black painted exterior trim and split-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels. The black-out treatment, combined with the Magnetic Gray Metallic paint job, brought the Sequoia's looks up to date.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, while stylish and comfortable, was often criticized for its lack of power. It weighed nearly 3,500 pounds and was powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This output was adequate for daily driving, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a decent job of utilizing the available torque. The CVT was well-tuned, with programmed ratios that made it feel more like a traditional automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on the steering wheel, though they were rarely used.

The Rogue was equipped for adventure, with available all-wheel drive, up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes. However, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine felt underpowered in mountainous terrain. During a media program, Nissan hinted at the possibility of a more powerful turbocharged engine in the future. The Rogue offered different driving modes, including Sport and Eco, to enhance driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. The tested Rogue SL with front-wheel drive achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below the official EPA rating.

The Rogue's ride and handling were commendable, thanks to its new architecture composed of 35% high-strength steel. The suspension system, featuring a strut front and multi-link rear setup, was fortified by brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control systems. The Vehicle Motion Control system, new for 2021, anticipated ways to enhance the driving experience based on driver inputs. The Rogue's steering was a standout feature, with the electric assist moved from the steering column to the steering rack, resulting in improved steering feel and responsiveness.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, was known for its durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, resulted in less favorable fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined for rear-wheel drive models.

Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a pleasant driving experience, with smooth acceleration and a stable ride on the highway. Its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, capable of handling dirt roads and trails with ease. The Sequoia's suspension, featuring a four-wheel independent double-wishbone setup, provided excellent control and comfort. The TRD Pro off-road model received special suspension enhancements, further boosting its off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's turning circle of 38.1 feet and excellent sightlines made it a practical choice for daily driving in suburban areas.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized passenger comfort with its Zero Gravity seat designs, which aimed to reduce stress on the body. The improved seats in the new Rogue were more comfortable than those in the previous generation. The Rogue offered a range of seating options, from cloth upholstery with manual adjustments in the S trim to premium leather in the Platinum trim. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available on higher trims. However, ventilated seats were not offered, despite the Rogue's North American headquarters being located in Nashville.

The Rogue featured standard air conditioning, with dual-zone automatic climate control in the SV trim and a triple-zone system in the SL and Platinum trims. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were more generous than before, and the rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees for easy passenger loading. The Rogue could accommodate up to three child safety seats, thanks to new LATCH anchors. Nissan also focused on reducing interior noise, implementing aerodynamic improvements and acoustic front glass.

Storage in the Rogue was well-designed, with a new electronic shifter freeing up space under the center console. The door-panel pockets could hold 32-ounce water bottles, and the center armrest featured a split butterfly-style opening for easy access. The Rogue offered a power rear liftgate, with a hands-free design in the SL and Platinum trims. Cargo capacity ranged from 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV trims to 36.5 cubic feet in the SL and Platinum trims, with a maximum volume of 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, with spacious seating in all three rows. Three-zone climate control catered to the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. A standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the open feel of the cabin. Heated and ventilated front seats were available across all trim levels. The Sequoia offered ample storage, with a large center console, glove compartment, and door pockets. Rear passengers had access to cup holders, power outlets, and additional storage.

The Sequoia's cargo compartment featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, ideal for tailgating and camping. It offered 18.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded. Folding both the second and third rows flat provided a generous 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making the Sequoia a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment package, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto in the S trim. A free six-month trial to Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant was included, with a subscription required afterward. The system featured knobs for power/volume and station tuning, though their design made them somewhat difficult to use. Menu shortcut buttons provided easy access to common functions.

Moving up to the SV or SL trim added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. NissanConnect Services included features like remote engine starting, automatic collision notification, and vehicle speed alerts. The SL Premium Package and Rogue Platinum offered a larger 9-inch touchscreen, door-to-door navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose premium audio system. The Platinum trim also included wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, providing some modern functionality. The 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen in the analog dash was outclassed by digital dashboards in competing models. WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with navigation and a 12-speaker audio system available in the Limited trim. A premium audio and convenience package added native navigation, 14 JBL speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier.

While the Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, Toyota updated the exterior lighting to LED, including high and low beams, daytime running lights, fog lamps, and taillamps. A rear backup camera and front and rear parking sonar were standard, with a power liftgate available on upper trims.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with a comprehensive collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Notably, the Rogue included a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert instead of adaptive cruise control, which was standard on the SV trim and above. The Rogue also featured ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system.

The Rogue's ProPilot Assist driving aid, available on the SV trim and above, included lane-centering assistance and improved radar and camera units for better accuracy. The SL Premium Package and Rogue Platinum offered an upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology, which used navigation data to adjust speed for curves and freeway junctions. The Rogue's architecture, composed of high-strength steel, aimed to deflect crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, while lacking crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, offered a range of standard safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The Sequoia's STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Sequoia featured a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, front energy-absorbing crumple zones, and side-impact door beams. Trailer sway-control, front and rear parking-assist sonar, child-protector rear door locks, and power window lockouts were standard on all models.