2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation with a mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof, all contributing to a refined appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a detailed and tasteful look. The centre console was a standout feature, offering ample storage space and a 9-inch infotainment display positioned for optimal driver visibility. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the spacious second row accommodated passengers with ease. Overall, the Rogue impressed with its exemplary fit and finish, particularly in the top-tier Platinum model.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid embraced a more substantial and blocky design, reminiscent of Toyota's truck line. Its trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork gave it a rugged appearance, while the interior featured a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts for added visual interest. The materials used were average for its class, with some hard plastics but lightly padded surfaces where needed. The base model's urethane steering wheel felt less premium, but higher trims offered leather-wrapped options. Despite some shortcomings, the RAV4 Hybrid maintained strong build quality, ensuring a quiet ride over rough terrain.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was invigorated by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented a significant improvement over the previous model, enhancing the Rogue's responsiveness in various driving situations. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, while the new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios for smoother acceleration. Fuel efficiency was also commendable, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the increased power with ease, delivering a smooth and controlled ride.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a total of 219 horsepower. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4. The hybrid powertrain offered seamless transitions between regenerative and physical braking, while the suspension provided a comfortable ride over various road conditions. Although not particularly sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid excelled in delivering a calm and effortless driving experience, comparable to its competitors in the compact hybrid SUV segment.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options, offering numerous compartments for passengers' belongings. The front cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed additional storage in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo area was impressive, accommodating up to 1,033 litres of luggage, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers and average-sized adults in the rear seats. While rear headroom was slightly better than some competitors, legroom was marginally less. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, comparable to other hybrids in its class. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, including 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, an advanced driver-assist system, was also available, offering navigation integration for predictive speed control.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with improved graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

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

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The RAV4's safety systems performed reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control inputs.