Starting at
Starting at
| 225 | Torque (lb-ft) | 184 |
| 74.1 | Max Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) | 69.8 |
| 30/37 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG) | 27/35 |
The automotive industry is fiercely competitive, with one glance at the compact SUV segment proving as much. Your options are plentiful, but not every compact SUV is built or performs the same. The models are vastly different, with many outperforming others or asking drivers to choose between capability, premium features, innovative technology, and affordability. Fortunately, some automakers refuse to make that request, and it’s apparent when slating the 2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota RAV4.
The 2023 Rogue and 2023 RAV4 share many similarities at first glance. For starters, only a few hundred dollars differentiates their price tags, with the 2023 Rogue at $27,760 and the 2023 RAV4 at $27,975.[a] Moreover, compact SUVs have similar footprints, meaning they’re agile and easy to maneuver in town and on the highway. So, where do they differ?
The RAV4 has been a staple in the Toyota lineup since the mid-1990s when it established itself as a value-oriented SUV that exuded practicality and efficiency. Even now, the 2023 RAV4 relies on that reputation to maintain its relevance in a segment of new contenders like the Rogue. Nissan introduced the Rogue in 2008, immediately distinguishing the SUV with its sophisticated styling and value-oriented packaging, making it a top performer and best-seller. However, unlike the RAV4, the Rogue continues to reinvent itself, using its history as a benchmark to do better and offer more to drivers.
The 2023 Rogue accomplishes this feat in several ways, giving it a distinct advantage over the 2023 RAV4. Nissan ensures the Rogue has a highly valuable package that defies its affordable starting price, making entry-level models feel like a steal with their premium materials and vast technologies. But how else does Nissan guarantee the 2023 Rogue wins the race against rivals like the 2023 Toyota RAV4? Here’s everything you need to know about two of the industry’s fiercest competitors.
The 2023 RAV4 and 2023 Rogue are comparably priced, but that means little when you look at the value that each SUV offers. For example, the RAV4 starts at $27,975 in 2023, a $215 increase over the Rogue’s 2023 starting price of $27,760.[a] But what does each investment yield when you’re behind the wheel?
The RAV4’s higher price tag, even by a few hundred dollars, implies that it offers more than the Rogue. However, this is far from the case. The RAV4 LE starts the lineup in 2023 and lives up to every expectation of an entry-level model. It’s powered by a standard 2.5L engine and electronically controlled eight-speed automatic transmission, a combination that produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. While it comes standard with front-wheel drive, you’ll have to spend more to gain all-season confidence with the available all-wheel drive.
Beyond what’s under the hood, the RAV4 LE keeps things simple inside the cabin. The standard 8-inch touchscreen display features the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, and a three-month subscription to the Platinum Plan, the latter of which are standard on most new models. Likewise, industry-wide regulations require automakers to equip every model with certain safety features, which Toyota does with the RAV4’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite.
Alternatively, you get more for your money with the 2023 Rogue. Nissan outfits the compact SUV with its revolutionary variable compression turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers best-in-class efficiency without compromising performance, as it produces 201 hp and a best-in-class 225 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, you’re spending less on the Rogue and reaping the benefits of the same connectivity features via an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You also benefit from Nissan’s expansive suite of intelligent safety and driver-assist features that complement the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, all of which have earned the Rogue top safety ratings over the years.
Compact SUVs are popular because their smaller footprints make them efficient and easy to maneuver. Automakers capitalize on these characteristics, equipping their compact models with powerful engines that make them engaging and fun to drive. You’ll experience this firsthand when you get behind the wheel of the 2023 Rogue and then test-drive the underwhelming 2023 RAV4.
The 2023 RAV4 relies on Toyota’s proven 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 16 valves, dual overhead camshafts, and a variable valve timing-intelligent system that balances power output with efficiency. Toyota pairs the engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which promises smooth shifting as the powerplant produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This output explains the RAV4’s impressive fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway on front-wheel drive models or 27 MPG and 34 MPG, respectively, with models equipped with Toyota’s Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel Drive system.
While the RAV4 is impressive, it’s easily outshined by the 2023 Rogue and Nissan’s revolutionary Variable Compression (VC) Turbo engine. After 20 years in development, Nissan introduced the VC-Turbo engine on the 2022 Rogue. Unlike competitors, the Rogue’s VC-Turbo engine features unique high/low compression ratio technology that offers two distinct driving profiles–one for performance and one for efficiency. Either way, the powertrain delivers exceptional on-demand power and engineers confidence behind the wheel.
For the 2023 Rogue, the experience is just as impressive. Nissan pairs the 1.5L VC-Turbo engine with the next-generation Xtronic transmission, producing 201 hp and best-in-class 225 lb-ft of torque. By constantly varying the compression ratio, the VC-Turbo optimizes the Rogue’s performance without hindering its efficiency. The result is incredible, pushing the Rogue to a best-in-class fuel economy of 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway on front-wheel drive models. Even more impressive is that opting for all-wheel drive doesn’t dramatically reduce the Rogue’s efficiency, as the SUV averages 28 MPG and 35 MPG, respectively.
Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have contributed to vast advancements in vehicle safety, particularly in how models are designed, by setting industry-wide standards. These standards ensure models like the 2023 Rogue and 2023 RAV4 offer comparable features that prioritize driver safety. However, automakers also have the option to add to these standard features to improve driver confidence, ensure peace of mind on the road, and minimize the potential for collision. Nissan does this exceptionally well with the 2023 Rogue, leaving much to be desired from the 2023 RAV4.
While Toyota doesn’t ignore driver safety, the automaker doesn’t offer many extras. Instead, the 2023 RAV4 is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, a standard across the lineup. The suite outfits the SUV with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Braking, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
While the Pre-Collision System actively monitors ahead of the SUV for potential collisions, tools like Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist monitor your blind spots to make changing lanes safer and easier. In addition, technology like the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control works with Lane Tracing Assist to constantly monitor the flow of traffic and the RAV4’s position in the lane, altering its speed and subtly adjusting the steering wheel as needed.
The 2023 RAV4’s safety and driver-assist features seem impressive until you dive into everything Nissan offers with the 2023 Rogue. Like the Toyota, the Rogue has a standard safety suite called Nissan Safety Shield 360. The suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist. However, unlike the RAV4, the Rogue’s automatic emergency braking technology also works at the rear.
Nissan doesn’t stop with these standard features and offers plenty of other tools to enhance your confidence behind the wheel. For example, the 2023 Rogue has a Rear Door Alert and Intelligent Driver Alertness. You can also add advanced technologies, like Blind Spot Intervention and Traffic Sign Recognition. Moreover, tools like ProPILOT Assist are designed to transform your drive. The system relies on a forward-facing camera, radar, and sensors to monitor traffic and the Rogue’s position in its lane. Unlike the RAV4’s Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist works in stop-and-go traffic, safely stopping the SUV and resuming speed as the situation allows.
The industry is inundated with compact SUVs, meaning it’s easy for models to get lost in the shuffle. However, the 2023 Rogue is the exception, especially compared to the 2023 RAV4, an SUV that's been around since the mid-1990s and is showing its age. The Rogue is newer, more sophisticated, and a far better value; it’s an SUV that doesn’t ask you to compromise.
Newton Nissan South makes the same promise. We refuse to ask our customers to compromise, whether you’re looking for an SUV like the 2023 Rogue or need the expertise of our factory-trained and certified technicians. Whatever you need, you’ll experience our promise to change your experience and see it fulfilled every step of the way. From programs like Newton Fastpass to our lifetime powertrain warranty and commitment to integrity, Newton Nissan South is your automotive destination. There’s nothing we can’t handle, making us the best team to have on your side when you get behind the wheel.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
