2022 Nissan Rogue vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4: A Real-World Comparison If you are looking to buy a compact car, two cars that should be on your shortlist are the Toyota RAV4. The Rogue is redesigned for 2021 and offers buyers a semi-luxury package, particularly in its top-of-the-line platinum variant. The Toyota RAV4 was one of the best-selling SUVs on the market thanks to its amazing reliability, efficiency and capability.
2022 Nissan Rogue vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4: A Real-World Comparison
I have had the pleasure of driving both of these small SUVs and noticed that although they are very different, they are also similar. Here is a quick comparison between them.
It made me forget which car I was sitting in because it felt like an Infiniti. The leather is soft, the leather-wrapped steering wheel feels nice in my hand, and all the buttons and knobs are within easy reach.
The interior is also beautiful, but it looks a little more utilitarian. Like the Rogue, the RAV4 has grips and discs on hand, and the limited trim level I received came with leather seats. But the seats aren’t comfortable, and the materials aren’t as soft — or inviting — as those on the Rogue.
The new Nissan Rogue turbocharged engine makes it a tough contender
One of the major changes to the Rogue for 2022 is the shape of a new 1.5-liter VC engine with a turbocharger. The letter VC stands for Variable Pressure, and it’s little more than a marketing gimmick. New technology alters engine compression ratios to provide optimum power during any type of driving situation.
Honestly, I didn’t believe it until I drove it. The engine delivers plenty of power in the mid-rpm range, making it good for blending onto the highway at speed and passing slower cars. It also provides plenty of grunt on climbs as I was able to make use of 201 horsepower and, most importantly, 225 lb-ft of torque.
2022 Nissan Rogue vs. 2022 Toyota RAV4: A Real-World Comparison
The RAV4 is powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that replaces forced induction for more displacement. The 2.5-liter treadmill delivers 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This smaller torque rating might not seem like much of a difference, but it can definitely be felt when you’re driving at high altitude like I do.
When it comes to performance, I prefer the Rogue. However, I preferred the RAV4’s eight-speed transmission over the Rogue’s CVT because it made the Toyota engine feel more responsive from stopping.
The Toyota RAV4’s infotainment system is a little more attractive
Both SUVs come with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but size doesn’t matter when it comes to the physical front. They are easy to see in different sunlight situations, and both have the same video quality as the backup cameras. However, I preferred the intuitive interface and attractive graphics over the RAV4’s infotainment system.
The menus are easy to navigate, and they look more attractive than the ones on Rogue. Plus, the best of the beautiful sounds of RAV4’s JBL premium sound system. Although Rogue’s Bose system is still really good.
Rogue has more storage capacity than RAV4
When it comes to storage, the Nissan Rogue takes the cake. According to Nissan, the Rogue has 74 more cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded compared to the RAV4’s 69.8. Sure, that doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but if you have to move something big or a lot of boxes, you’ll notice the difference.
What compact SUV should you choose?
If horsepower and interior comfort are at the top of your list, the 2022 Nissan Rogue is the perfect solution. It’s easy to get in and out, offers a comfortable ride, and has a stylish interior. Although if you want something a little more solid and don’t need the extra bits of cargo space, the Toyota RAV4 is a good way to go. After all, it’s one of the best-selling SUVs for a reason.
