2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Nissan Rogue showcased a handsome new styling with a more technical appearance, making it resemble an SUV rather than a car. Its dark gray plastic cladding and bold simulated skid plates added a rugged touch, though the back bumper might have seemed overly audacious. Clean LED lighting, a prominent V-Motion grille, and proper proportioning gave the Rogue a modern aesthetic. Aluminum wheels up to 19 inches and optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment offered a custom look. The interior of the Rogue SL test vehicle featured an Almond color leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, creating a light and bright atmosphere. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars contributed to a sense of quality, while the controls were arranged logically. The Platinum trim offered quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting for a luxurious feel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia lending a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a somewhat disjointed design compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that created a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high for reduced distraction. The Bronze Edition test vehicle had light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed more suitable for a paper towel. The Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available in the top trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was less comfortable with unyielding armrests.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, the Rogue's power was adequate for daily driving, with a CVT that mimicked a traditional automatic. The SUV offered AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new driving modes for off-road adventures. Despite its capabilities, the engine felt underpowered in mountainous terrains. Nissan hinted at a future turbocharged version, potentially using the 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Altima. The Rogue SL with FWD achieved 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The SUV's ride and handling were enhanced by a new architecture with 35% high-strength steel, a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and advanced control systems. The steering was notably improved, offering a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available through an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, comparable to gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response initially, with the gasoline engine supplying more power. The engine's hum was subtle under light acceleration but became a drone when pushed harder. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing bumps, though not overly so, allowing for confident cornering. The cabin remained quiet on highways, making the Highlander one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured improved Zero Gravity seats, offering comfort with cloth, leatherette, or premium leather upholstery depending on the trim. Heated seats and steering wheel were available, though ventilated seats were not. The Rogue provided generous rear-seat headroom and legroom, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors for easy access. It accommodated up to three child safety seats with new LATCH anchors. Interior noise was reduced through aerodynamic improvements and acoustic glass. Storage was ample, with a new electronic shifter freeing space under the center console. Cargo capacity ranged from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet, with a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, shelves, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities, and a bench option increased capacity to eight. Built-in window shades, USB ports, and a power outlet enhanced the experience. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 84.3 cubic feet at maximum capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and smart assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim also included wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and a JBL audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. Ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder were standard. ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering was available on higher trims, with Navi-link technology on the SL Premium Package and Platinum trim. Crash-test results were unavailable, but the use of high-strength steel suggested good crash protection.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A surround-view camera and adaptive headlights were exclusive to the Platinum trim. The systems generally worked well but required some fine-tuning for smoother operation.