2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a refined design, riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, which it shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. This platform provided a solid foundation for the Venza's modern and sleek exterior, characterized by its deeply scalloped body sides and prominent nose. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments, with its elegant proportions and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a rugged yet appealing design, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a sense of purpose. The Rogue was available in multiple trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium amenities. The interior was spacious, with a focus on comfort and practicality, although the rear seat comfort was less impressive compared to the front. The Rogue's design emphasized functionality, with features like rear doors that opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easier to load and unload passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for a balance between electric and gas drive, optimizing efficiency and performance. The Venza offered different drive modes, including electric-only operation for short distances, and utilized regenerative braking to recharge its lithium-ion battery. The Venza's performance was sprightly, with agile handling, although its taller body and higher ground clearance were not conducive to aggressive cornering.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport. The Rogue's performance was responsive in urban settings, but it lacked passing power on the highway. The CVT's simulated gear changes could feel dramatic, and the engine's character might not appeal to all drivers. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue demonstrated a good balance of ride compliance and body control, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a spacious interior with seating for five, featuring two bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. Both rows provided ample headroom and legroom, and the cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 816 litres of space behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, with a roomy interior that comfortably accommodated four adults. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a triple-zone automatic climate control system and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with a low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats that felt uncomfortable. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres available behind the back seat and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down. The Rogue also featured Nissan's Divide-N-Hide system for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it convenient for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features like Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, however, used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle included a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition technology was limited, and the system struggled with certain requests. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well during the test drive.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue's safety systems worked well during testing, with ProPilot Assist providing effective lane-centring and adaptive cruise control. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received lower scores in some specific crash tests.