2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2020 Toyota RAV4

The Nissan Rogue is the automaker’s most popular model in the automotive industry’s most popular segment. It has always been a strong performer, but the competition just keeps getting better. For the 2021 model year, Nissan overhauled the Rogue crossover SUV and the result is something that should have little trouble gaining even more visibility. A comparison of the 2021 Nissan Rogue vs. 2020 Toyota RAV4 will show just how closely matched the two popular crossover SUVs are and how customers can ensure the purchase they make is going to be the one that will best fit their needs and budget. Nissan and Toyota are equipping their respective crossover SUV with similarly equipped infotainment systems. Independent reviews have lauded the new exterior design offered by the 2021 Rogue as well as its overall capability.

Passenger comfort and cargo volume are always going to be two areas that can sink a crossover SUV if not thoughtfully executed. The 2021 Nissan Rogue and its 2020 Toyota RAV4 rival are going to be at or near the top of the segment in both areas. Each crossover SUV has two rows of seats that will hold up to five passengers apiece. Nissan makes a strong argument that it will be more comfortable for passengers in the front seat of the Rogue by equipping it with its NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats. In fact, independent reviews have chided the 2020 RAV4 for its less-than-ideal front seats. Additionally, the 2021 Rogue is able to offer more interior cargo volume than its Toyota rival. When properly configured, the 2021 Rogue will have more than 74.1 cubic-feet of cargo volume, compared to a maximum of 69.8 cubic-feet in the 2020 RAV4.

 

2021 Nissan Rogue Vs. 2020 Toyota RAV4
2.5-L, 4-Cyl. Base Engine 2.5-L, 4-Cyl.
181/181 Horsepower/Torque 203/184
74.1 cu.-ft. Max. Cargo Volume 69.8 cu.-ft.
27/35 Base Fuel Economy 27/35

 

Performance Specs

Nissan is keeping the same power plant architecture in place for the 2021 Rogue. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine will be under the hood that is also mated to the Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission. For the new model year, the 2021 Nissan Rogue will produce 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Not only will the 2021 Rogue be more powerful, but it is also more efficient, with most trim grades offering 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Buyers opting for the 2020 RAV4 will get a very similar powertrain setup that makes slightly more power than the 2021 Rogue, but the Toyota crossover SUV will broadly be able to achieve the same fuel economy scores as the 2021 Rogue.

A photo of the steering wheel used by the 2021 Nissan Rogue.
A photo of the lower instrument stack in the 2021 Nissan Rogue.

A photo of the cargo area in the 2021 Nissan Rogue.
A photo of the 2021 Nissan Rogue in a photo studio.