2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added $3,330 to the price, bringing the MSRP to $54,380. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from previous decades, with a robust stance and solid interior. Despite the abundance of plastic, the cabin felt durable and of high quality, with controls that were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on. The 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint, with a black artificial leather interior, and featured bronze accents throughout.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more modern and refined appearance. It was designed with proper proportions and chiseled styling, offering a rugged yet appealing look. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices starting at $30,898. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim, was equipped with AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a frameless rearview mirror. The Rogue's interior was noted for its comfort and quality, with soft-touch materials and a well-thought-out layout. However, the engine's character and some interior design choices, like the key fob, left room for improvement.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 L/100 km in combined driving, with our test averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of composure over bumps.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and offered AWD as an option. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 7.7 L/100 km, but our test vehicle averaged 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's performance was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. Its ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, providing a balanced and composed driving experience, despite some body motion on uneven roads.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. However, storage areas lacked rubber liners, leading to potential noise and vibration. The second-row seating was roomy, with good legroom and USB ports, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family-friendly SUV, with easy entry and exit, good visibility, and a practical cargo area. The Platinum trim featured premium leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support and comfort. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,028 litres available behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature added versatility to the cargo area, though some storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a straightforward infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for use with gloves. While the graphics were dated, the infotainment system's performance was reliable, with effective voice recognition. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, though both audio systems were bass-heavy.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The system offered a range of features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation, but the voice recognition struggled with more complex commands. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. ProPilot Assist provided effective adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, though braking could be abrupt when other vehicles cut in.