Nissan Rogue vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Nissan Rogue in Canada offered a diverse lineup with six trims, including the base S and the top-tier Platinum. The SV trim was particularly popular due to its reasonable price of $40,685, which included a destination charge and other fees. It came equipped with desirable features such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. All-wheel drive, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard across all Canadian models. The Platinum trim, which we tested, boasted luxurious features like semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in capability was a highlight, offering seamless navigation and connectivity. The Rogue's design, with its blocky shape and large grille, exuded a bold attitude, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, was available with a standard turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain, and the powerful Hybrid Max configuration. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, which we reviewed, was priced at $69,060 and featured a Storm Cloud paint finish. Its design drew inspiration from the RAV4, resulting in a familiar yet grander appearance. The interior emphasized functionality, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob. Despite these minor issues, the Grand Highlander offered ample seating for up to eight passengers and impressive cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, which provided adequate performance for everyday driving. While it lacked the punch of a four-cylinder engine, the Rogue's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) delivered smooth power delivery to all four wheels. The CVT was refined, avoiding the typical noise and lack of refinement associated with such transmissions. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, though not particularly sporty, and the braking system offered smooth and predictable performance.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD. The Hybrid Max powertrain produced an impressive 362 horsepower, allowing the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly. Its six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, with towing capacity up to 2,268 kilograms. During testing, it achieved 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The Grand Highlander's ride quality was soft and comfortable, though its handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer in corners.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was well-designed, with quilted leather seating and upmarket trim in the Platinum model. The steering wheel was chunky and ergonomic, and controls were easily accessible without relying solely on the touchscreen. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample rear legroom measuring 978 millimetres. The Rogue offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the second row, with a convenient Divide-and-Hide storage system. Storage throughout the cabin was generous, with creative solutions like a compartment beneath the centre console.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander offered 586 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with the third row folded. While the interior was spacious, some storage areas were unlined, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in lower trims, while upper trims like the Platinum boasted a 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation was particularly useful, and the ProPilot system allowed for hands-free operation on pre-mapped roads. A wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the base of the centre console.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various Toyota Connected Services. The system was easy to use, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included features like a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the side impact test. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display and ProPilot Assist.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While the Grand Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, it fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and frontal-impact protection. The Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be more irritating than helpful in some situations.