2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, continued to build on its legacy of practicality and style. Over the years, the RAV4 evolved from its original "cute ute" image into a more mature and sophisticated vehicle. The 2022 model, part of a redesign that began in 2019, featured a design that blended in with contemporary crossover aesthetics. However, upon closer inspection, the RAV4 revealed unique design elements such as angular wheel arches and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design was cohesive, with a geometric pattern tying together various elements, from the seat inserts to the dash pieces.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, focusing on proper proportions and rugged styling to appeal to a broad audience. The Rogue's lineup included several trim levels, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium amenities. The Rogue's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. However, some design choices, such as the low-contrast key fob and the uncomfortable rear seat, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's spacious interior and practical features made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving needs. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided smooth and responsive performance, with fuel economy ratings of 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway for FWD models. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency of 5.8 L/100 km in the city. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, offered 302 horsepower and could travel up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, with a combined efficiency rating of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT, offering a balance of performance and fuel economy. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 7.7 L/100 km combined, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption. The Rogue's handling was enhanced by features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, providing a smooth ride over various road conditions. However, the engine's unusual note and vibration, along with the CVT's simulated gear changes, might not appeal to all drivers. Despite these quirks, the Rogue offered a secure and consistent handling experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided ample interior space, with up to 1,059 litres of cargo capacity behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. It could comfortably accommodate four adults, with a fifth in a pinch. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 offered a range of comfort features, including dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also offered generous interior space, with up to 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Rogue's interior was designed for comfort, with features like a triple-zone climate control system and Zero Gravity seats for the front passengers. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats that detracted from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the Rogue's practical features and spacious interior made it a viable alternative to a traditional family car.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and expanding to a 9-inch screen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The RAV4 offered smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation, along with advanced features like a bird’s-eye view camera system and a head-up display on the RAV4 Prime. The technology package provided a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, while equipped with a range of tech features, used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited in its capabilities. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, providing clear and useful information to the driver. Despite the outdated infotainment system, the Rogue offered a decent array of technology features.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also offered a robust set of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link on higher trims. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received lower scores in some crash tests, which may be a consideration for safety-focused consumers. Despite these concerns, the Rogue's safety features and ratings made it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.