2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish quality evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, cupholders, and a bridge-like structure connecting the dash to the storage compartment. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with the second row sliding to optimize space.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, sharing features with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It sported a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof illusion created by dark supporting pillars. The rear liftgate added a finishing touch to the sleek exterior. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The centre console was a highlight, with an electronic gear selector lever freeing up space for storage. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy viewing, and the instrument panel offered either a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital screen. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the second row offered ample legroom. Nissan's attention to fit and finish was evident, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna's handling improved with new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, minimizing body roll. Fuel efficiency was a standout, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured a variable compression ratio, optimizing power and efficiency. The Rogue's CVT had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. Fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway for FWD models, and slightly higher for AWD. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power smoothly, with minimal body roll and responsive steering.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, offering a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering cargo capacities of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered smart storage solutions, with bottle holders, cupholders, and various compartments throughout the cabin. The second-row 60/40 split reclining bench provided flexibility, and the cargo area offered up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. The Rogue's design catered to both family and commuter needs, with convenient charging ports and storage options.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered features like Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the driver enjoyed a multi-information display and digital rearview mirror. Remote keyless entry and Smart Key System were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay on upper trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating navigation for predictive speed control. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed convenient access to all doors.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision systems. The Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring were standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.