2021 RAV4 vs. Rogue Comparison
The 2021 RAV4 and Nissan Rogue are great crossover choices and each have their advantages. The RAV4 has 5 hybrid grades with standard Electronic On-Demand AWD which gives you exceptional capability on top of serious fuel efficiency for an SUV. Every 2021 RAV4 comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of advanced active safety features.
For its part, the 2021 Rogue has RAV4-comparable media connectivity options but misses out on Amazon Alexa connectivity. The Rogue does have comparable advanced active safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.
Which SUV has everything on your checklist? Dig into this head-to-head comparison to find out.
Published Date: 03/19/2021
Fuel Economy and Reliability
- The RAV4 has great fuel economy no matter if you go for the hybrid model or not.
- The Rogue doesn't have a hybrid engine option.
- If a scheduled maintenance plan is important to you, the RAV4 comes with ToyotaCare on all trims. Nissan's scheduled maintenance plan costs extra.
Vehicles like the RAV4 and the Rogue are great for families on the move. But, if they don't come with the fuel economy and reliability to keep them going, is it worth it?
Fuel Economy
When it comes to mileage, the RAV4 and Rogue have pretty impressive numbers. The RAV4 base model LE FWD has an EPA-estimated MPG of 27/35/30 (city/highway/combined) and 27/34/30 (city/highway/combined) MPG ratings for AWD. Comparatively, the 2021 Rogue base model with FWD also has an EPA-estimated mileage of 27/35/30 (city/highway/combined) but loses some fuel economy when it comes to the Rogue S AWD. This model has an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating.
The RAV4 also has available hybrid engines. All hybrid models have an EPA-estimated 41/38/40 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Plus, all the RAV4 hybrid models come with standard AWD. The Rogue hasn't offered a hybrid engine since 2019.
If horsepower is what you're after, the RAV4 gas models have 203 horsepower while the hybrid models have 219 horsepower. The Rogue only has 181 horsepower.
To help keep your car on the road longer, all Toyota RAV4s come with the ToyotaCare plan. This includes factory-scheduled maintenance for 25,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. Plus, 24/7 roadside assistance which lasts two years and unlimited mileage. Nissan offers a pre-paid maintenance plan called Security+Plus. What the plan covers is based on the plan you buy. Nissan Roadside Assistance lasts for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Safety
- All models of the RAV4 come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0).
- The Rogue has a lot of TSS comparable safety features, but some of their features are not available on the base model.
- The 2021 RAV4 and 2021 Nissan Rogue both received high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
With all the great adventures these vehicles can take you on, it's important that safety features are a main focus.
Standard Safety Features
All RAV4 models come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). This advanced suite of active safety features includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
The Rogue's comparable safety features to Toyota's TSS 2.0 include standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Trace Control, and High Beam Assist. Traffic Sign Recognition is available starting on the Rogue SL. The 2021 Nissan Rogue also features ProPILOT Assist starting on the Rogue SV.
The 2021 RAV4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with LED projector headlights. For the 2021 Rogue, the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+. However, when looking at Overall Safety Ratings by the NHTSA, the 2021 RAV4 received a higher 5-Star Overall Rating, while the 2021 Rogue received only 4-Stars.
Interior
- The RAV4 has a lot of media connectivity options, like Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility standard.
- The base model Rogue misses out on Wireless Apple CarPlay® integration and all models miss out on Amazon Alexa, something the RAV4 has across all trims.
- The RAV4 comes with more standard speakers than the Rogue.
Tunes make any ride a real trip. That's why the RAV4 LE comes with a lot of media options.
Multimedia features
For starters, choose between the standard 7.0-in. touchscreen or opt for the available 8-in. or 9-in. options that the RAV4 offers. When it comes to standard multimedia, the RAV4 has Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Plus, get music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology and SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial subscription.
Looking at the competitor Nissan Rogue, you get a standard 8-in touchscreen display, Android Auto™, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, and SiriusXM® Radio with a 3-month subscription included. However, wireless Apple CarPlay® integration is only standard on the Rogue Platinum and Amazon Alexa compatibility is not available on any trim level.
To listen to your favorite music from your preferred streaming service, the RAV4 comes standard with six speakers while the Rogue only has four. To get six speakers, you'd have to opt for the Rogue SV. When you really want to tune in, the upgraded RAV4 Limited's Premium Audio package has an 8-in touchscreen, 11 JBL® speakers, and Dynamic Navigation standard. Comparatively, Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic is only available on the Rogue SL but comes standard on the Platinum model.
Aside from infotainment options, add more style to your drive with colorful accents to compliment your interior fabric in the 2021 RAV4. Get blue accents in the XSE Hybrid, and red accents in the TRD Off-Road. The Rogue does not seem to have these fun upgrades available.
Conclusion: RAV4 vs. Rogue
- The RAV4 has multiple hybrid options that put out great gas mileage. The Rogue doesn't have a hybrid model.
- While both crossover SUVs have media features, the RAV4 has more media features standard.
- The RAV4 includes ToyotaCare maintenance and roadside assistance. Nissan's scheduled maintenance plan costs extra.
Both of these vehicles have a lot to offer for those looking for an adventure-ready SUV packed with standard safety features, a high-tech interior, and the fuel economy to get you there.
However, while both crossover SUVs have similar MPG ratings, the RAV4 comes out strong with a great EPA-estimated mileage on the hybrid engine which can help increase your gas savings even more. Currently, the Rogue does not offer a hybrid option.
The Nissan Rogue came to the party with impressive standard media features like an 8-in. touchscreen, but the RAV4 offers more connectivity options standard.
Plus, when you factor in the benefits of ToyotaCare maintenance plan and roadside assistance, the winner becomes clear: the 2021 Toyota RAV4.