2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, 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 SUV's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified, with options like black, white, grey, red, and blue, and a special pearl grey for the SV AWD. The Platinum grade offered four two-tone configurations, combining a lower paint colour with a blacked-out roof. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather on the Platinum model, with features like heated rear seats and a power liftgate available in the SV AWD's Premium Package.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The Sienna's assertive stance was complemented by 17-inch wheels on base models, with options for 18-inch and 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage. The second and third rows offered roomy seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row was a 60/40-split bench that easily stored away, and the second-row seats slid significantly to facilitate access to the third row.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the FWD S grade to 1,653 kg for the AWD Platinum model. Despite the CVT's reputation, it provided a pleasant driving experience. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was respectable, with the FWD model achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, while the AWD version used 9.2 L/100 km city and 7.2 highway. The Rogue's handling was enhanced by a 27% improvement in torsional rigidity, a 40-kg weight reduction, and an updated suspension system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The TNGA platform improved handling, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's fuel efficiency was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, while AWD models used 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway. The hybrid battery was tucked under the front seats, with a 10-year/240,000-km warranty.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims. The cabin was quieter, and a shift-by-wire system created space for a large compartment under the centre stack. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and 18-inch wheels. 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 system allowed for a 5 cm cargo floor height adjustment and a panel to separate cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna had a 1,585-kg towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench stored easily, and each row had storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and four 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 Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and an 8-year trial of Service Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A digital rearview mirror was available on XSE and Limited models, providing a clear view when the rear was obstructed.

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 introduced ProPILOT Assist, a hands-on highway driving assist feature. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.