2021 RAV4 driving on a windy dirt road

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).
Family and dog getting out of the 2021 RAV4

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 of 2021 RAV4

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

When comparing the two adventure-ready SUVs, the RAV4 and the Rogue, you find both come with important active safety features, some high-tech multimedia features, and good fuel economy ratings. While both vehicles have some excellent features, the RAV4 stands out for reliability, safety, and its interior features.

  • ToyotaCare factory-scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance come standard with the RAV4, while the scheduled maintenance plan for the Rogue costs extra.
  • The RAV4 is available in your choice of multiple hybrid options that offer great gas mileage, while the Rogue isn't offered in a hybrid model.
  • More speakers come standard with the RAV4 for better surround-sound quality.
  • The RAV4 comes with advanced active safety features, like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD).
  • Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility come standard with the RAV4.
  • All RAV4 trims come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0).