Starting at
Starting at
| 225 | Torque (lb-ft) | 184 |
| 74.1 | Max. Cargo (cu.ft.) | 69.8 |
| 30/37 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG) | 27/35 |
Finding an appropriate compact SUV isn't difficult when you take a closer look at the 2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota RAV4, as both vehicles have an abundance of features and amazing capabilities right out of the gate. Multiple trims, great designs, and many interior accouterments make both SUVs some of the best the market offers. But if you were going to pick just one based on features such as performance, fuel economy, or capacity, which one would it be? Well, the 2023 Rogue comes out ahead in key areas that might make it more enticing for SUV shoppers looking for a versatile vehicle.
Both SUVs have some fascinating new features for the 2023 model year, with Toyota focusing on overhauling and upgrading the RAV4's infotainment suite with larger screens throughout the trim line-up. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system now boasts new over-the-air updates, as well as cloud-based navigation services. The multi-information display for drivers has also been upgraded to a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display, and upper-end trims now have access to an available 10.5-inch touchscreen display. The non-hybrid 2023 Toyota RAV4 is available across five trims, including the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue brings all new packages to the table for the new model year. Headlining the Rogue's offerings is the Midnight Edition for the SV trim, which comes packed with a blacked-out exterior color scheme. This gloss-black design features blacked-out glossy side-mirror caps, a black V-Motion grille, front and rear fascia inserts, and 18-inch gloss-black aluminum alloy wheels. You also have a black rear diffuser, black roof rails, and black badging. The Midnight Edition is topped off with TailorFit leatherette seats to add extra luster to the whole package. Additionally, the Rogue Platinum and Rogue SL Premium trims now include Amazon Alexa as a standard feature with voice-oriented commands. You can get the 2023 Nissan Rogue in the S trim, the SV trim, the SL trim, and the Platinum trim.
The two compact SUVs have very respectable power plants that have resulted in lots of praise and feedback from owners and critics alike, thanks to both vehicles' well-crafted and engineered designs. But when it comes to overall top-end performance specs, the Nissan Rogue actually manages to outdo the Toyota RAV4 in a few unexpected ways. But this benefits those looking for a quality compact SUV.
The Toyota RAV4 runs on a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, producing 203 hp at 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 is also available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and it's also available with multiple drive modes, including Sport, Eco, and Normal Modes. For the off-road trim, the RAV4 comes with a Multi-Terrain Select dial that allows you to choose between Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal mode. These features are great, but the Rogue manages in a few areas that make its performance key.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue comes with a single power plant, just like the RAV4; it's a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder, but unlike the RAV4, the Rogue's engine is turbocharged. It manages to produce 201 hp at 225 lb-ft of torque, giving the Rogue 18% more torque over the RAV4, which is quite significant if you wanted that extra torsional boost for light off-roading or getting the most out of the acceleration from the Rogue.
This ties into the Rogue's low variable compression ratio, so you get the most out of the vehicle's powertrain performance. Combined with the Rogue's patented intelligent all-wheel drive system, you can basically go anywhere on paved surfaces or dirt trails, and the vehicle will dynamically adjust the ride based on the surface. Additionally, the Rogue also comes with five different drive modes, including Sport Mode, Off-Road Mode, Snow Mode, Auto Mode, and Eco Mode.
Range is an essential feature for a compact SUV, especially one that will be your daily driver. When it comes to getting the most range out of a vehicle, you need the best fuel economy available, and both the 2023 Nissan Rogue and 2023 Toyota RAV4 have excellent fuel economy. But between the 2023 Rogue and the 2023 RAV4, the Rogue actually has better overall fuel economy than its non-hybrid Toyota rival.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 manages to top out its base gas-powered mileage at 27 MPG in the city and up to 34 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive. Those are fantastic numbers for daily driving, especially in all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive for the RAV4 manages even better numbers, at 27 MPG in the city and up to 35 MPG on the highway. That gives you a total combined estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG. While the figures are fantastic for anyone looking for a quality, gas-powered compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue manages to top those numbers with even more impressive figures.
The 2023 Rogue sees a max fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and up to 35 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive. That's an additional mile, whether in the city or on the highway, in favor of the Nissan Rogue if you opt for the all-wheel drive configuration of the vehicle. What's even more impressive is that the Nissan Rogue's fuel economy gets even better in front-wheel drive, with Nissan's compact SUV topping out at 30 MPG in the city and up to 37 MPG on the highway, for a total combined estimated fuel economy of 33 MPG.
That means if you're completely all-in on a compact SUV entirely for its fuel economy, you're likely going to want to opt for the Nissan Rogue. In front-wheel drive, you earn three additional miles to the gallon in the city over the Toyota RAV4 and up to two additional miles to the gallon if you regularly travel on the highway. Those are very impressive figures for anyone looking to get great gas mileage out of their compact SUV.
Compact SUVs aren't always well known for their large carrying capacities, hence why they're compact SUVs. But that doesn't mean that the Nissan Rogue and RAV4 don't have fairly expansive interior cabin capacities because they actually provide fairly large cargo volumes for their segment size. But as shown in the other categories, the Nissan Rogue manages to overcome the RAV4 in the capacity department. This means if you want a great compact SUV with a lot of interior space, you can make the most out of the Rogue's cabin.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 still provides some great figures, at 37.6 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the second row in the cargo carrying area. This means you get to use plenty of the tailgate area for storing all of your belongings and cargo. But if you need to make more use of the RAV4's cargo capacity, you can fold down the second row and then use up to 69.8 cu.ft. of space in the RAV4's cabin. That gives you additional storage and much more room for storing equipment, tools, traveling gear, and more.
But comparing the Rogue to the RAV4 in the capacity department shows that the Rogue offers overall more cargo volume. With the seats up, the RAV4 may get an extra cubic foot of space, with the Rogue topping out at 36.5 cu.ft. of space behind the second row, but once the seat is folded down, you have up to 74.1 cu.ft. of cargo capacity to make use of within the cabin. That means the Rogue nets you nearly 6% additional cargo volume over the RAV4 when it comes to total cargo volume. If that's important to you, then it's something to consider when shopping for a compact SUV that offers you the best capacity the segment has. The Rogue nails it in this category, and that's certainly something to keep in mind when space is important.
Get the Nissan you've always wanted; whether it's the thrilling 2023 Nissan Rogue or the sporty Kicks, we have what you want, both new and used, right here at Illini Nissan. Find the perfect brand new model year sedan, crossover, or EV from our extensive line-up of the latest model year Nissan vehicles, fresh off the assembly line, or opt for something more practical and economical with our great selection of used vehicles from various brands and manufacturers. We even carry an awesome selection of affordable vehicles for well under $15,000, perfect for those shopping on a strict budget.
Regardless of your finances, we have options for you. We even have a dedicated finance department willing to help you find the perfect car loan plan that works for you. Whether you have bad credit or no credit at all, we're always willing to help customers shop for the perfect vehicle and the right kind of financing to make that purchase possible. You can even rent vehicles from our dealership, perfect for emergencies or in between scheduled service.
And yes, we have certified technicians willing to keep your Nissan up and running beautifully. Schedule to have your vehicle brought to our service center so you can get the best deals on new sets of tires, wheel alignments, battery charges or replacements, as well as fluid top-offs. These are just some of the many features we offer our customers, and we look forward to working with you and helping you find that perfect Nissan vehicle, like the new 2023 Nissan Rogue!
*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.
