2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone interior with soft leather for the Limited and Platinum trims, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The mix of illumination colours in the gauges also contributed to a somewhat busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue maintained a more mature and refined exterior design, following its recent transformation. The Rogue shared several design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The floating roof illusion, aided by dark supporting pillars, added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The centre console was notable for its electronic gear selector lever, which freed up space for additional storage. The Rogue's interior was further enhanced by comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a spacious second row, offering ample legroom for passengers. Overall, the Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, particularly in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. The new engine delivered a total output of 243 horsepower and was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. Despite the efficiency gains, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was underwhelming, with power described as adequate but not exciting. The SUV struggled with hills and freeway speeds, and the engine sounded strained during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride quality suffered from unwanted body movement. However, the regenerative brakes were an improvement over the previous generation, and the Highlander Hybrid excelled in electric-only EV Mode around town.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's performance was lively, with improved fuel consumption figures estimated at 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and good steering feel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. However, the second-row bench seat, while increasing seating capacity to eight, felt narrow and uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was even less accommodating, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. Storage options were somewhat limited, and the placement of the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area below.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a centre console bin. Rear-seat passengers also had access to storage options and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. The Rogue's interior was designed with practicality in mind, making it a versatile choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a range of standard features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim level featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. However, the JBL sound system's performance was inconsistent, and the voice recognition system did not control climate settings.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, following its 2021 makeover, boasted significant technology upgrades. Upper trim levels featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Rogue's Intelligent Key system allowed for convenient keyless entry on all doors.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The system also offered intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star ratings in frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue also offered ProPilot Assist, which combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for enhanced driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.