2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. With its well-proportioned and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a rugged sense of purpose that resonated with consumers who valued aesthetics in their vehicle choices. The lineup offered various trims, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, each providing a blend of style and functionality. The Platinum trim, in particular, stood out with its upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of interior and exterior enhancements, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna made a bold statement with its distinctive design, challenging the conventional minivan aesthetics. Available in trims like LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited, the Sienna offered a sleek appearance with its modern front and rear fascias and a palette of striking colours. The XSE trim, with its sporty elements like a black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels, added a dynamic flair to the minivan. Inside, the Sienna prioritized practicality and comfort, with features like leatherette-trimmed sport seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a family-friendly vehicle with a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a significant powertrain update with the introduction of the turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, replacing the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder in most trims. This engine delivered 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque between 2,800 and 4,000 rpm, providing a responsive driving experience in urban settings. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included paddle shifters and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its impressive city performance, the Rogue's highway passing power was lacking, and the engine's unique sound and vibration might not appeal to all drivers. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's suspension and handling were generally well-balanced, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, as a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While the Sienna wasn't designed for spirited driving, it offered a smooth and efficient ride, particularly in urban environments. The CVT, however, contributed to a sluggish feel during acceleration, especially on highways or steep inclines. The minivan's driving modes included Normal, Eco, and EV, with the latter being ideal for low-speed areas. The brakes were occasionally grabby, but the steering was light and precise, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency and practicality over performance, making it a suitable choice for families seeking a reliable and economical vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to traditional family cars, with its elevated seating position and spacious interior. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, and Zero Gravity seats for enhanced comfort. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and limited leg support. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for customizable cargo configurations, though some storage areas lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and functionality, with a focus on family-friendly features. The minivan's second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom and could slide fore and aft, though they couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo capacity. The third row provided generous legroom and reclining seats, enhancing passenger comfort. The Sienna's cargo area offered 949 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the second row folded. The minivan's tri-zone climate control and numerous storage options, including a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders, added to its practicality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system, while functional, was due for an update. It featured an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The voice recognition system struggled with complex commands, and the digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, though the latter wasn't tested with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna also used an older infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone integration. While the system included physical buttons for common functions, the backup camera's grainy display was disappointing. The Sienna offered a 12-speaker JBL stereo system and a rear-camera mirror, though the latter wasn't available on the test model. The minivan featured numerous USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, providing a smooth and accurate driving experience. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, offering features like lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The minivan's safety systems generally performed well, though lane-keeping assist exhibited some side-to-side movement. The Sienna received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for families.