2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. Its design was characterized by proper proportions and chiseled styling, which gave it a rugged sense of purpose without being overly aggressive. The Rogue's appeal was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The lineup offered various trims, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, with the latter featuring upscale touches like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium features. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with soft-touch materials and quality controls, making it a comfortable and appealing choice for many.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback to an earlier era of SUV design. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a brawny stance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model, in particular, exuded a rugged personality with its underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age, with old-school styling and outdated technology. The analog instrument panel and small infotainment touchscreen were reminders of its need for a redesign. Despite this, the 4Runner's interior was practical, with cushioned panels and grained upholstery, though it lacked the modern touches found in some of its competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This VC-Turbo engine was designed to offer a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with driving modes to suit various conditions. While the Rogue felt responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on highways, and the engine's character might not appeal to everyone. The CVT transmission, though generally unobtrusive, could feel dramatic during simulated gear changes. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's suspension and handling were commendable, providing a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive, the five-speed automatic transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency compared to rivals. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its 4WD system and terrain controls, but felt sluggish on highways. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in noticeable body roll and nosedive during braking. Road noise and a loud exhaust further detracted from the on-road experience, though the 4Runner remained composed and controllable under hard braking.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical and comfortable interior, suitable as a family car replacement. It accommodated four passengers comfortably, with the option for a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided excellent comfort, though rear seat comfort was lacking. Storage was plentiful, with a hands-free power liftgate and configurable cargo space, offering up to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, was functional and spacious. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, while the second row offered generous legroom. A third row was available on select trims. The 4Runner excelled in cargo capacity, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers were unique features, and the 4Runner's towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was a plus for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, though not the latest, offered a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The Bose audio system provided decent sound quality, but voice recognition was limited. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, though the latter was not tested with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro's JBL audio system delivered strong sound, though road noise often obscured it. Terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual to fully utilize.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some lower scores in specific tests.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA for overall protection and some lower scores from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though the alerts could be oversensitive.