2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its reputation as a top seller in the compact crossover segment. Its design, which had matured significantly since its 2013 redesign, maintained a sophisticated and grown-up appearance. The exterior featured Nissan's signature V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior was equally impressive, with a layered dash design and a centre console that maximized space with an electronic gear selector. The Rogue's cabin was both attractive and functional, offering ample storage options and comfortable seating, particularly with the Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner embraced a more rugged and retro aesthetic, especially with the 40th Anniversary Special Edition. This model featured retro body stripes, bronze wheels, and a heritage grille design, giving it a nostalgic appeal. The 4Runner's interior was practical and solid, with a focus on durability rather than luxury. While it had plenty of plastic elements, the controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design was more about function than form, catering to those who appreciated a traditional SUV experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue saw a significant boost in performance with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was a notable improvement over the previous model, offering an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, enhancing both performance and fuel economy. The Rogue's CVT transmission was also updated, providing a smoother and more responsive driving experience. With a fuel consumption rating of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway, the Rogue was both powerful and efficient.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, making it a capable off-road vehicle. The 4Runner's towing capacity was impressive at 2,268 kg, and it offered various off-roading technologies, such as a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, its fuel economy was less efficient, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions but was less refined on paved roads, with heavy steering and a less responsive brake system.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies, while the rear passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,033 litres available with the seats up and 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. This made it an ideal choice for families and commuters who needed ample space for their belongings.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, while offering a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, required some effort to enter and exit due to its height. Once inside, the seats were comfortable, and the second-row offered good legroom and headroom. The 4Runner's cargo space was substantial, with 1,337 litres available behind the second row. However, opting for the third-row seat significantly reduced cargo capacity to just 254 litres. The 4Runner's design was more suited for outdoor adventures, with features like a bumper that doubled as a seat and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive technology suite, with upper trims featuring 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. The ProPilot Assist system offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Rogue's Intelligent Key system also provided convenient keyless entry for both front and rear doors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a more traditional approach to technology, with analog gauges and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with options for a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The 4Runner's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons that were easy to operate, even with gloves. While the technology was not as advanced as the Rogue's, it was reliable and straightforward, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The ProPilot Assist system enhanced these features, providing Level 2 driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's safety ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not conducted a full set of tests on the 4Runner, but it received a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.