2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Toyota Venza was often compared to a Lexus in terms of its design, with critics noting its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Its sleek grille and elongated profile gave it a luxurious appearance that set it apart from other Toyota SUVs. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with more advanced features like a 12.3-inch screen and a digital rearview mirror available on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to showcase a mature and sophisticated look. It shared design elements with other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's floating roof and bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash design and an electronic gear selector, which freed up space in the centre console. The interior was spacious, with Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling. Its e-CVT transmission contributed to a noisy ride during acceleration, but the noise level decreased at cruising speeds. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in its segment.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's engine, enhancing the Rogue's performance. The new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, providing better acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was also impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. The chassis and suspension delivered a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the steering was precise.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design with premium appointments, such as piano black capacitive buttons and a padded centre console. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The quick-flip releases on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks made it easy to arrange the cargo area.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The cabin featured a 60/40 split reclining bench in the second row and USB ports for rear passengers. The Rogue offered up to 1,033 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded flat. This made it a practical choice for families and those needing ample cargo capacity.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though not the most user-friendly, included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was standard on higher trims. Toyota's connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also included.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, a hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, offering advanced navigation integration.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also had eight airbags and a rearview camera. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. It had ten airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist enhanced the safety features, offering Level 2 driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.