2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. With its well-proportioned design and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a sense of purpose that appealed to many SUV enthusiasts. The vehicle's exterior was complemented by upscale interior features, especially in the Platinum trim, which boasted soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium materials. The Rogue's design choices were critical in ensuring it remained an attractive option for consumers who valued aesthetics in their vehicle choices.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic by incorporating design elements reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota's efforts to shed the traditional minivan image were evident in the Sienna's sleek front-end styling and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The interior was equally impressive, with high-quality brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. The Sienna's design was not only about looks but also about functionality, offering a spacious and versatile interior that catered to the needs of families.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite some engine noise and vibration, the Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, ensuring a smooth and composed drive over various terrains.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While the Sienna's acceleration was less impressive compared to some competitors, its chassis and steering offered a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver in city environments. The minivan featured multiple drive modes, though the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed to replace the traditional family car, offering a spacious and practical interior. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 2,064 litres of space and the Divide-N-Hide feature for customizable storage solutions.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. With a length of 5,175 millimetres and a wheelbase of 3,061 millimetres, the Sienna offered ample room for passengers and cargo. The minivan's interior was filled with cubbies, shelves, and bins, providing plenty of storage options. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and up to 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering comfort and flexibility for passengers of all sizes.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The test vehicle included a 9-inch touchscreen, 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 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with clear and informative visuals.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, while equipped with an older infotainment interface, provided essential features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons, which some users found more intuitive than touchscreens. Despite its dated appearance, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system delivering satisfactory performance. However, the lack of wireless smartphone integration and some interface quirks were noted as drawbacks.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and a range of driver assistance systems. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, part of the Toyota Safety Sense package. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials. While it lacked some of the more novel features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety systems for family protection.