2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, offering a refreshed look with a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue's exterior was further enhanced with satin-finish badging and new wheel designs, including 18-inch wheels for the SV grade and 19-inch machined-finish wheels for the Platinum model. The Platinum trim also featured more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue boasted a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving the dashboard a more premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching, adding to its upscale appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, design, reminiscent of its 2010 redesign. Its boxy shape and flared fenders provided a stable and rugged appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model featured underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, the interior showed its age with an analog instrument panel and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The cabin had a mix of hard plastics and cushioned panels, with seat upholstery resembling vinyl. Despite its nostalgic charm, the 4Runner's interior lacked modern touches, unlike its competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, which managed to blend nostalgia with contemporary features.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, capable of varying its compression ratio for optimal power or fuel economy. This engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, outperforming competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less impressive, often slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without improving handling. Despite its quiet cabin, the engine's droning exhaust note was a drawback.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive, the five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance compared to rivals with more advanced gearboxes. The TRD Pro model came with standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, excelling in off-road conditions. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and a noisy engine. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and a bouncy ride on highways.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals. Its cargo space was slightly less than the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson but more than the Subaru Forester. The Rogue featured the optional Divide-N-Hide system for flexible cargo management and a power liftgate on higher trims. The centre console provided additional storage, though accessing the lower tray was awkward.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. The front seats offered ample space, but the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was limited. The 4Runner offered up to 1,337 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,540 litres with the seats folded. 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 was a notable advantage.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store. However, connectivity was free for only five years. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the system was occasionally slow to boot. The Rogue also offered multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. The 4Runner lacked off-road-specific apps, but terrain controls in the headliner console allowed for off-road customization. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received favourable safety ratings, with top scores from the IIHS in several crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system with lane centring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for some tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in others. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, though the 4Runner's alerts were often oversensitive.