Comparison of 2023 Nissan Rogue and 2023 Toyota RAV4 Specs
1. Introduction
There are many key features that separate the Rogue and RAV4, the first being the third-row option in the RAV4. The Rogue has eliminated the third-row option entirely, but has constructed the seats of the second row to be able to slide and recline, and has also increased the corner and cargo space of the vehicle. The 2023 Rogue also comes with an available Bose audio system, something that is not offered in the RAV4. The RAV4 does come with an available sound system, but it is not the same quality and reputation as Bose. The Rogue and RAV4 both have available all-wheel drive as well. These features offer variation between the two vehicles, and potential customers will be able to choose which features will benefit them most. This also allows the prices of both vehicles to vary, so smaller families or individuals may be more attracted to the Rogue, while larger families may stick with the RAV4 for the third-row option.
With Nissan's 2023 Rogue newly redesigned and Toyota's 2023 RAV4's long-standing reputation, now seems like the perfect time to compare these popular compact SUVs. Competitive vehicles such as these two normally have more similarities than differences. However, that isn't the case this time around. These vehicles are targeted towards the same market, but separated by a fair margin.
1.1 Key Features
Similarly, RAV4 is a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder car but with lower horsepower, 176 hp. The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system in the RAV4 is an intelligent system that can provide effective traction by automatically shifting from 2WD to AWD as and when the need arises. Preconditions that activate the AWD system are in response to a lack of traction on the front wheels due to a slippery road surface, when the accelerator is depressed from a stationary position and uphill travel. The AWD system benefits fuel efficiency as the RAV4 runs in 2WD mode most of the time, but switches to AWD when extra traction is needed. VDC is also available in the RAV4. The RAV's AWD system is electronically controlled and provides power to the rear wheels when required without the driver having to select the mode. This system operates during starts and acceleration allowing the car to revert to 2WD mode when AWD is not needed, an operation that benefits fuel efficiency. Both cars are decent in terms of fuel efficiency with the Rogue achieving 9.2l/100km in the city and 6.6l/100km on the highway and the RAV4 achieving 9.7l/100km in the city and 6.8l/100km on the highway. However, both lack in fuel efficiency compared to their hybrid models.
Nissan Rogue has a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with a great 181 hp provided. Nissan also provides an intelligent all-wheel drive for this SUV, allowing for a snow, off-road and auto mode for different terrain. The snow and off-road mode are designed for low speed torque when you need it. This is done by removing power from the wheels that slip and transferring it to the wheels that grip. The AWD system is constantly monitoring road activity and responding instantly to changing conditions. This is called the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The VDC can apply brake pressure or reduce engine power to help stabilize your Rogue if it starts to skid. Fluid engine power is first matched with responsive handling and the support of an independent rear multi-link suspension. Sway understeer logic is incorporated into the VDC system to help prevent the Rogue from drifting too wide through a corner and the speed-sensitive power steering has been retuned for a more natural feel.
1.2 Performance Specifications
The 2023 Nissan Rogue will feature an improved 1.5L turbo-four and it will replace the previous 2.5L inline-four. It is also expected to have hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The standard engine for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is anticipated to be a 2.5L inline-four, and it too should feature a plug-in hybrid. These compact SUVs both offer all-wheel-drive and hybrid models, as well as a new engine in the case of the Rogue and a new prime variant for the RAV4. In terms of horsepower and fuel economy, the 2023 Rogues' 1.5L and hybrids would be too new to accurately compare with the RAV4s' current specs. The 2023 Rogue will also be losing the currently optional front-wheel-drive as the default. With Nissan's new engine and the drop of the front-wheel-drive option, it is difficult to say what the Rogue's powertrain will be like compared to the RAV4 at this time.
2. Exterior Design
The Rogue underwent a redesign in 2021, and these updates have persisted into the 2023 model year. It now looks more rugged and less like a jacked-up small sedan. The grille is broad, and black lower body cladding adds a touch of SUV squarerness. In contrast, the RAV4, which was redesigned in 2019, is aesthetically the same in 2023. It retains the sharp angles and lines that were a departure from previous RAV4s, which were far less adventurous in terms of design. Both vehicles can be had with striking paint options. Our test Rogue in the SL Platinum package and the RAV4 Limited AWD both sported intriguing pearlescent color options: Super Black and Magnetic Gray Metallic, respectively (though it's worth mentioning, the Nissan has more than a few optional colors that must be purchased, hence our ambiguous "black" description). The RAV4 starts off with 17" wheels on the first three trims, with the XLE Premium and up receiving 19" wheels. The Rogue exterior 2023. The Rogue on the other hand comes standard with 18" wheels, which are upgraded to 19" on the top-end SL trim. Both vehicles have front and rear LED lighting, but the specifics differ. The RAV4's headlights are accented by matte garnish, and the XLE Premium and up receive LED projector-beam headlights. The Rogue comes standard with LED headlights and adds automatic on/off functionality, though you'll have to upgrade to the SV trim to get the LED fog lights. Step up to the Platinum trim and the Rogue adds a motion-activated liftgate and heated exterior mirrors. L and LE RAV4s must make do with a manual liftgate and unheated mirrors. Finally, it's worth noting that neither vehicle comes with a moonroof until you've ascended to the very top trim level.
2.1 Styling Elements
The 2023 RAV4 is a very sporty looking car with sharp edges and a very sleek look. For the LE and XLE models, the RAV4 is equipped with 17" styled steel wheels and P225/65R17 tires. The higher end Limited and Platinum models have 19" alloy wheels with 235/55R19 tires. The RAV4 also has a redesigned lower and rear bumpers and a new front grille design to make the RAV4 look more aggressive. The XLE and above trim levels are equipped with power, heated outside mirrors. LED projector-beam headlights with chrome bezels are standard for the RAV4, and the Limited and Platinum models have adaptive and auto-leveling headlights. LED Daytime Running lights come standard on the RAV4 and it also has available fog lights on the XLE model and up. The 2023 Rogue is now sportier and quicker, with a modernized boxy design that gives the impression of a more muscular and robust vehicle. The Rogue is now more rugged and athletic but it still does have a hint of luxury within its design. It has a wider stance and a shorter front overhang and also a more aggressive front end with a short overhang and a more sloped front windshield which contributes to a better drag coefficient which helps to improve fuel efficiency. Step rails have been added to make entering the vehicle easier and the rear doors now open to 85 degrees to allow better access. 14" Steel wheels with wheel covers come standard on the Rogue, and 17" Aluminum-alloy wheels are standard for the SV and SL models. The redesigned rear packaging gives the Rogue more utility while the rear spoilers and tire deflectors and optimized fender and floor covers contribute to a quieter and smoother ride. LED projector headlights come standard for the Rogue, and it also has sequential turn signals and a suite of five different fog lights which greatly improve night time vision.
2.2 Dimensions and Proportions
Nissan and Toyota were produced with only an inch to half of an inch difference from each other. The Rogue is 182.3 to 184.5 inches long and 68.4 to 68.5 inches tall. The RAV4 is 185.5 inches long and 68.1 to 67.9 inches tall. Wheelbase rang in at a difference of one inch, with the Rogue at 106.5 inches and the RAV4 at 105.9 inches. Next, the length and width of the two models are discussed. The Rogue ranges from 182.3 inches in length and 68.5 inches wide, and the RAV4 ranges from 184.5 inches in length and 72.8 inches in width. This follows a trend of North American vehicles being larger than Japanese ones, as the Rogue was designed in Japan, and the RAV4 in North America. This directly affects the amount of interior space and the comfort of the occupants. Discussing interior space, a main concern is also the headroom and overall comfort of both driver and passengers. This next section goes on to list exactly how the height differences between the two models affect headroom. Lastly, cargo space is compared. This includes the trunk and space behind the rear seats. This is an important comparison as this is a main concern for buyers that are parents or needing the vehicles for transportation of large items and various sorts. This can also be related to the safety section, as larger vehicles tend to be safer in the event of a car crash. All of the above-stated dimensions are important factors to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. This will help the buyer to gauge the amount of total space they will be working with and the overall comfort of all occupants, whether it be primary or accessory.
2.3 Lighting and Wheel Options
Nissan offers two different headlight configurations on the Rogue. The base model comes with halogen with optional available LED headlights, while the more expensive models come with LED headlights that have an automatic on/off feature, with an available option for a motion activated liftgate and heated side mirrors. Toyota RAV4 comes with Multi-LED headlights with black housing, automatic high beams, and an available option to add on the same features that the Rogue has for up-level trims. This feature, being slightly more expensive for a base model, gives the Rogue a slight advantage with the base model offering more value with the same available features on higher-end models. Both Nissan and Toyota come with a set of 17-inch steel wheels on the base model with an option for 17-inch alloy wheels. Both brands offer 18 or 19-inch wheels on higher-end models. At a glance, it looks like Nissan and Toyota are very similar in this round, but Nissan offers a wheel that can actually predict potholes and react to bumps in order to reduce negative input to the car. This available feature can be a big advantage to the driver in the long run, while Toyota does not offer anything similar to this on any of the RAV4 models. This is another instance where the Rogue offers a feature that would generally be seen on a higher-end model from another brand and offers great value on any trim level.
3. Interior Features
Now for the Rogue's technology and infotainment system, the NissanConnect is what is featured. This includes a touch-screen display with access to GPS, Voice Recognition, and Mobile Apps, which is a 3-month trial. The Maps and Point of Interest are provided by Google, unlike other automobiles using a standard GPS. The emergency telematics are provided by SiriusXM satellite radio. An additional feature is the class-exclusive Around View Monitor, making parking easier. This is a 4-camera bird's eye view of the vehicle with a split-screen close-up of the front, rear, and curbside views. The Intelligent Key and push-button ignition also make the start-up process easier. So far, there are no details on what specific infotainment system will be on the 2023 RAV4. However, as the Rogue has a premium Bose audio system for its Platinum and Platinum Premium trims, it is expected that the RAV4 will feature something similar to its JBL audio system for its higher trims. Both the Rogue and RAV4 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Nissan Rogue offers "Zero Gravity" front seats, which are designed to alleviate fatigue and discomfort, inspired by NASA's zero gravity technology. There are 3 different front seat configurations depending on the trim chosen. The Human Quality engineering theme puts an emphasis that the seats are designed for various shapes and sizes, making it very comfortable. Although the Toyota RAV4 does not offer such a fancy description on its seats, the Limited and Hybrid models offer a SofTex seat material, which is essentially synthetic leather that has a soft feel similar to leather. However, for the lower trim levels, the seats are fabric. There is an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat on all RAV4 trims, which is equivalent to just the base level trim of the Rogue. The highest Platinum trim offers an electronically adjustable driver's seat with a memory option. This is similar to the top Rogue trim, which has a memory driver's seat and outside mirrors with a 2-driver memory. The path to the rear seats for both automobiles is wide, and the doors provide easy access. The rear seats for both the Rogue and RAV4 have a 40-20-40 split configuration, which is useful when extra cargo space is required.
First, in terms of cabin space and comfort, the Nissan Rogue is slightly larger compared to the Toyota RAV4. It is about 15cm lengthier and 5cm wider than the RAV4. This gives an advantage to the Rogue in terms of interior space. Legroom for the second-row seats of both automobiles is similar, with the Rogue having an extra 3cm.
This is an ultimate showdown between compact sport-utility vehicles. Therefore, a thorough investigation needs to be carried out on the interior features of the automobiles. The compact SUV is often used for daily commuting activities or short family getaways. There is a need for generous space, comfort, and practicality combined with the most up-to-date technology in both infotainment and safety packages. As flexibility is the key when traveling with a family, cargo capacity and versatility will also be put to the test.
3.1 Cabin Space and Comfort
The RAV4 offers an available Cold Weather Package which adds a few nice comfort features. Dual zone automatic climate control and heated front seats are very popular items and will be available on the LE, XLE, and XLE Premium models. The RAV4 offers an electronic parking brake while the Rogue has a more traditional foot pedal brake. Both vehicles come with a Premium Package available on upper trim levels. This package includes driver seat memory and a 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat among other features.
The Rogue provides more passenger space than the RAV4. In our testing, we found Nissan's "zero-gravity" front seats to be comfortable on long drives. The sliding and reclining rear seat allows for more legroom or cargo space, and taller passengers don't have to worry about their heads touching the headliner. An advantage the Rogue has over many rivals is its available third row of seating to increase passenger capacity to seven people. Keep in mind though, the third row is only available on the S trim and eliminates the Divide-N-Hide cargo system and rear stow bin.
Both SUVs come with a roomy, five-passenger cabin and offer amenities such as a panoramic sunroof, power adjustable front seats with memory, and a heated steering wheel on upper trim levels.
3.2 Technology and Infotainment
The RAV4 comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which is a bundle of active safety features that are standard on all RAV4 models. Features include Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and etcetera. Detailed information about TSS 2.0 can be found on the Toyota website. There is also a color multi-information display, which can be used to access vehicle settings and display information. The display is visible through the steering wheel and is designed to keep the driver's eyes on the road. The RAV4 does have a variety of extra features such as USB charge ports, smart key systems, and a digital rearview mirror; however, there's no other class-leading technology offered in addition to the aforementioned features.
Apart from the infotainment features, another key component that should be taken into account is the tech features integrated into both vehicles. The Rogue has the class-exclusive ProPilot Assist technology, which is a hands-on, driver-assist system that is designed to make highway driving easier. ProPilot Assist is a "hands-on" system, and it requires the driver to hold the steering wheel while the vehicle is in operation. The system can automatically adjust the vehicle's set speed to the posted speed limit and allows drivers to set their own following distance. If the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the driver must come to a complete stop and tap the resume button or lightly tap the throttle to begin moving. This system is really useful for long-distance highway driving and can be quite advantageous in minimizing the driver's input. The SV and SL models have the option for the ProPilot Assist with Navi-link Intelligent Cruise Control, meaning that the system can now assist with speed and steering based on the traffic signs and also provides a smoother drive when the vehicle is on the highway. The Rogue also has optional wireless smartphone charging, and wireless charging is available on all vehicle trims. A wireless charging pad is a flat surface where a smartphone can be charged cable-free. This is beneficial for drivers, as their mobile phone can be charged while they are on the go. Wireless charging pads can also prevent drivers from losing their charging cables and charging phones while they are driving. An accessory power outlet is still available when using the wireless charging pad.
The 2023 RAV4 is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface. It is simple and easy to use compared to Nissan's infotainment system. The Rogue comes with an 8-inch standard and an optional 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The larger screen is an advantage, as well as its more modern and streamlined user interface. Both vehicles come with wireless Apple CarPlay, however, the Rogue comes with wireless Android Auto compared to Toyota's standard Android Auto. This is a huge advantage for Android users, as this means they can connect and integrate their smartphones without the use of a cable. Both vehicles come standard with a 6-speaker audio system and have the option to upgrade to a more premium audio system. The Rogue has a 10-speaker Bose audio system, whereas the RAV4 has an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
3.3 Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Meanwhile, RAV4 offers a similar system with integrated lane tracing and a road sign recognition feature. It is also the first Toyota with the brand’s hands-free driver assist system, SAE Level 2, which is not active in the Canadian market at the time of writing. Although Rogue SL Platinum has led Nissan’s upscale connectivity features recently, Rogue’s infotainment offerings are modest by modern standards with only a conventional smartphone mirroring system and a single-zone USB system. Conversely, RAV4 shines in this department with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and baseline Android Auto, and available JBL premium audio, dynamic navigation, and destination assist. Moreover, Rogue does not have the advantage of Toyota Safety Connect, a system with features such as automatic collision notification, a stolen vehicle locator, and emergency assistance. For the hands-on driver, it is a great feature to have always-on connected services.
Nissan’s ProPilot Assist is now available on all 2023 Rogue trims, providing it with a hands-on driving assist system that works on the highway and in stop-and-go traffic. It’s a major feature for a mainstream compact SUV to have, and Nissan has been aggressive in proliferating this and other driver assistance features throughout the Rogue line with the goal of making such safety features more attainable. It combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering to reduce driver stress during highway driving. The system is easily activated via a button on the right spoke of the steering wheel, and once engagement is complete, the set speed and the gap in traffic ahead can be adjusted via toggling the switches on the steering wheel.
3.4 Cargo Capacity and Versatility
To the extent flexibility goes, both of these vehicles are nearly too coordinated. Beginning with the Rogue, the back liftgate makes stacking heavier things a lot simpler. It can open typically or with simply opening the back window which works on the off chance that you simply need to throw something in the back truly fast. The RAV4 offers something almost identical with a back end/windshield combination nonetheless, this would be less expensive and simpler to fix on the off chance that it were to get harmed in a mishap. Both of these vehicles offer 40/20/40 cut down back seats which extra increment freight limit and are helpful for hauling longer things and travelers at the same time.
Pertaining to RAV4, the story is distinctive. Toyota eliminated the discretionary third line of seats during the 2010 model year. This expanded the RAV4's load limit by a few cubic feet and gave it more usefulness as those third line seats were intended for those 12 years of age and under. While a third column is non-existent, it's as yet astounding how much freight space the RAV4 can offer with the best number being 73 cu.ft of room. This is an enormous measure of room for a crossover SUV and is one of the things RAV4 proprietors will in general be glad of.
Eliminating those seats, the Nissan has a huge 36.5 cubic feet of capacity at this point. This is an extreme compare to more modest hybrid SUVs which typically have around 30 cu.ft. of room when the third column is absent.
The Nissan improves its freight space much further by offering an discretionary third line of seats. This is something strange in smaller SUVs nowadays since it eradicates so much room. Likewise, starting at 2023 it is accessible exclusively in the Mitsubishi Outlander which is really manufactured.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue defeats opponents in its class by offering 36.5 cubic feet of freight capacity with the back seats being utilized. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 can't exactly compare at just 37.6 cubic feet, offering a bigger 38.1 cubic feet up to the first line seats. When the Nissan's seats are collapsed, there is a stunning 74.1 cubic feet of capacity contrasted with the RAV4's 73.4 greatest. It's an exceptionally close challenge, however the Nissan's marginally bigger inside offers it the success.
4. Engine and Fuel Efficiency
In conclusion, both the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 are solid choices in the compact SUV segment. The Rogue offers a more powerful engine upgrade option, while the RAV4 hybrid offers better fuel economy. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating and a range of technology and safety features. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and priorities.
In terms of pricing, the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 are fairly comparable. The base model Rogue starts at around $25,000, while the base model RAV4 starts at around $26,000. However, it's worth noting that the RAV4 hybrid starts at a higher price point, with a base price of around $28,000. If fuel economy is a top priority for you, the RAV4 hybrid may be worth the extra cost.
When it comes to technology and safety features, both the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 offer a wide range of options. Both vehicles come standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a touchscreen infotainment system. However, the RAV4 offers a few more advanced safety features as standard, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. These features are available on the Rogue, but only as part of optional packages.
In terms of interior space, both the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 offer comfortable seating for five passengers. However, the RAV4 has a slight edge in terms of cargo space, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Rogue, on the other hand, offers 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. While the difference may not be significant, it's worth noting if you frequently need to haul larger items.
d and Limited trims. Overall, the RAV4 hybrid offers a better balance between power and fuel economy compared to the Nissan Rogue.
4.1 Powertrain Options
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is equipped with one primary powertrain option, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers two. The Rogue features a 2.5-liter inline-4 that produces 170 horsepower and 175 lb/ft of torque. The engine is offered with either front or Nissan's All-Mode all-wheel drive. The RAV4 offers either the updated 2.5-liter inline-4 (this new aluminum block engine produces 160 horsepower and 163 lb/ft of torque) or a new powerful 3.5-liter V6 that produces 269 horsepower and 246 lb/ft of torque. Front-wheel and on-demand 4-wheel drive are available with the 2.5-liter engine. The V6 is paired with a new 5-speed automatic transmission and offers either 2WD or a full-time 4-wheel drive system. This four-wheel drive system utilizes a 50/50 torque split in normal driving. The system automatically directs more torque to the wheels with the best traction in tough driving conditions and can also be locked into a 50/50 split for maximum traction. Nissan lacks a sport-utility with a high-performance V6 such as the RAV4's offering, but the larger Murano is offered with a version of the VQ35DE V6. This engine shares much in common with the VQ35DE in the 2023 Maxima that has a reputation as a powerful, smooth, and efficient engine.
4.2 Horsepower and Torque
The available engine options of the 2023 Nissan Rogue include a heavily reworked version of the prior 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, improving horsepower, torque, and efficiency while reducing the level of noise, vibration, and harshness. The engine now produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, increased from the prior 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The slight power increase is offset by the added weight of the new Rogue, thus acceleration remains similar to the prior generation. The only transmission option is a continuously variable automatic (CVT), and all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels. The Rogue has 6.9 inches of ground clearance, a modest amount of all-wheel drive capability. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a number of powertrains available. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder which produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine has an 8-speed automatic transmission and has a choice of front or all-wheel drive. This RAV4 is also available as a traditional hybrid, generating a combined 219 horsepower from the same 2.5-liter engine and a battery and electric motor, mated to a more modern e-CVT. The third option is a RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid model, which is significantly more powerful with a combined 302 horsepower from a more potent version of the standard hybrid's engine, a more powerful electric motor at the rear, for a substantial all-wheel drive upgrade, and a CVT with the same fixed ratio gearset as in the hybrid. The RAV4 Prime is quick and capable. Excluding the RAV4 Prime, the RAV4's AWD system is more capable than the Rogue's with 7.5 inches of ground clearance, and the hybrids have a notable fuel economy advantage. The 2.5-liter non-hybrid RAV4 with AWD is roughly similarly priced compared to the Rogue.
4.3 Fuel Economy and Efficiency
So how do these SUVs compare in terms of fuel economy? The Rogue has a slight edge here, boasting an estimated 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway for front-wheel drive models. Switching over to all-wheel drive will drop it down to a still respectable 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. The RAV4 with front-wheel drive gets 28 MPG city and 35 MPG highway, and all-wheel drive variants will vary depending on trim. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road come with a more advanced AWD system, which will drop economy down to a range of about 25-27 MPG city and 33-34 MPG highway. The rest of the AWD options will only take away 1 MPG from both city and highway ratings compared to the FWD models. Looking at these numbers, it is clear that these two SUVs are cost-efficient with very little compromise in between.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue features a single engine option for all trims, which is the PR25DD 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC. It offers a healthy 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. As for the RAV4, it also features a single engine for all trims with the exception of off-road trims. This engine is the M20A-FKS 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC, pushing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both do not feature any sort of fuel-hungry forced induction system, keeping things with a more natural approach which will be friendly on the wallet. All-wheel drive offerings for both of these will come at a cost of fuel economy, but still provide safety and practicality to those who need it.