Once dubbed "cute-utes," the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue have matured into truly capable SUVs. The RAV4, a pioneer in the segment, has grown to become a top-selling SUV in the United States. Meanwhile, the Rogue has been transformed in recent years, refining its style and performance to compete with the best. In this comparison, we'll delve into how the 2022 model year versions of these two popular SUVs perform relative to each other, with scores and insight from CarGurus team of expert reviewers.
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 at an impressive 9 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Rogue at 7 out of 10 in terms of their look and feel.
The RAV4's exterior design, while blending into the crossover crowd at first glance, reveals unique details upon closer inspection. Angular wheel arches and crisp lines contrast with more organic curves. The RAV4's headlights and grille create a playful yet assertive face, and Toyota's renowned fit-and-finish adds to the overall feeling of quality. Inside, the cabin showcases a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface. Geometric patterns tie the interior together, from seat inserts to dash pieces, creating a distinctive, cohesive feel.
The Rogue has been a Nissan staple since 2007, but the 2021 onwards models represent a much refined effort when it comes to styling. It shares design elements with other Nissan vehicles, sporting the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. Active grille shutters and underbody covers improve aerodynamics. The floating roof illusion, created by dark pillars, adds to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasts a layered dash with contrasting colors, offering a sophisticated look. The center console, featuring an electronic gear selector, maximizes storage space and convenience. Spacious front seats and a roomy second row ensure comfort for passengers.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Nissan Rogue with 8 out of 10 for performance.
The RAV4 offers three powertrain options to cater to various preferences. The gasoline-only model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It achieves fuel efficiency ratings of 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD models. The RAV4 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, providing a total of 217 combined net hp and impressive fuel economy at 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid takes the lead with 302 hp, offering a range of 42 miles on electricity alone. It excels in both performance and efficiency, with 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined.
The RAV4's car-like handling makes it an enjoyable SUV to drive. AWD models benefit from Multi-Terrain Select tuning and rear-driveline disconnect for improved handling and fuel efficiency.
The 2022 Rogue boasts a significant improvement in performance, thanks to its 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine. This engine produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a notable upgrade over the previous model. The Rogue's enhanced engine, coupled with its new-for-2022 wider-ratio CVT transmission, ensures a responsive and efficient driving experience. The Rogue achieves excellent fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, surpassing the previous model's figures.
In terms of handling, the Rogue offers a smooth, controlled ride with little body roll. Its electrically power-assisted steering provides good feedback, and the tight turning radius enhances maneuverability.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 at an impressive 9 out of 10 and the 2022 Nissan Rogue at 8 out of 10 for form and function.
The RAV4's evolution is evident in its interior space. It offers generous room for passengers and cargo alike. With up to 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, it excels in practicality. Additionally, it boasts a payload capacity ranging from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. For those with towing needs, the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, making it a versatile choice for various lifestyles.
The Rogue also shines in terms of smart storage solutions. Its cabin offers ample places to stow everyday items, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers benefit from storage options in the doors and seatbacks. The Rogue's cargo capacity ranges from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet, depending on configuration, expanding to an impressive 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It caters to families and commuters alike.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 at an impressive 8 out of 10 for its technology offerings. The RAV4 comes with a robust set of tech features across its trim levels. Even in the base trims, you'll find a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It also includes subscription based services for SiriusXM satellite radio and Wi-Fi Connect.
Upgrade to RAV4 XLE models and above, and you'll enjoy Audio Plus with a 9-inch touchscreen. The Limited models and RAV4 Prime XSE take it up a notch with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime, in particular, shines with its extensive technology features, boasting five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, a 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and ambient illumination. The top trim also includes a wireless smartphone charging pad, bird's-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.
The 2022 Nissan Rogue also impresses with its technology offerings, earning an 8 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts. It features a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trim levels. Navigation in the Rogue utilizes Google Maps and Waze with voice commands, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 earns a stellar 9 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts. Every RAV4 model comes equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. LATCH child-seat lower anchors and tether anchors are available on all rear seats, and child-guard locks are present on both rear side doors.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver-assist systems, is standard on all RAV4 models. It includes features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trim levels get additional safety perks like a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 boasts impressive safety ratings, earning recognition as an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ for the RAV4 Prime. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a five-star rating.
The 2022 Nissan Rogue also prioritizes safety, with an 8 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts. It features Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all trim levels, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also offers 10 supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety.
Notably, the Rogue offers ProPilot Assist, an advanced Level 2 driver-assist system that combines steering-assist and adaptive cruise control. This system can control acceleration, braking, and steering, even in heavy traffic. It can bring the Rogue to a complete stop when necessary and restart it in traffic jams, enhancing the driving experience and safety.
The 2022 Nissan Rogue has earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The comprehensive safety features and ProPilot Assist make it a strong contender in the safety department.
Cost Effectiveness
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 earns a 7 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts. When new, it offered a wide price range, starting at $26,975 and going up to $43,625 before adding the delivery fees and optional extras. The RAV4 lineup includes gasoline-only models in six trim levels and hybrid versions in six AWD-only models. The RAV4 Prime offers two AWD trim levels.
As a used buy, the RAV4 remains competitive in the crowded compact SUV segment. In particular, its reputation for long-term dependability and durability add significant peace of mind when considering its cost-effectiveness.
The 2022 Nissan Rogue offers a competitive price point, with a 7 out of 10 rating from CarGurus experts for cost-effectiveness. When new it started at an MSRP of $26,700 and went up to $37,980 before adding additional charges such as delivery. The 2022 Rogue comes in four trim levels, providing consumers with options that cater to various budgets.
When looking at a used 2022 Rogue, consider opting for the SL trim with the Premium Package to get a well-balanced set of features without splurging on unnecessary extras.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Nissan Rogue scores 7.8 out of 10.
Clearly, then, it's a close-run comparison, and both the RAV4 and Rogue are easy to recommend if you need a practical SUV. If ultimate peace of mind is a priority, Toyota's hard-won reputation for reliability gives it the edge, particularly when it's combined with such a well-rounded overall package. However, we'd fully understand if you preferred the X-Trail's bolder design. Ultimately, we don't rate the Nissan quite as highly as the Toyota, but if you can find a good deal it's still a great SUV for families.
Choose a 2022 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You prefer the Toyota's more rugged styling.
- Long-term dependability and durability are essential to you.
- You're interested in the RAV4 Prime for its electric capabilities and extensive technology offerings.
Search for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus
Choose a 2022 Nissan Rogue if:
- You appreciate advanced driver-assist features like ProPilot Assist, enhancing the overall driving experience.
- You prefer Nissan's more forward-looking design.
- Competitive pricing and value for money are crucial considerations.
Search for a 2022 Nissan Rogue on CarGurus
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