The 2021 Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4 Are Basically the Same
When it comes to buying a crossover, there are so many choices. How on earth are we supposed to choose the right one when we have such an array of options? Especially when it’s difficult to find a crossover model that really stands out. For example, the 2021 Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4 Are Basically the Same.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue got a redesign
For 2021, Nissan redesigned its familiar family crossover option. It gets style tweaks and more standard features. But does it make it more relevant when put up next to the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V?
The new Rogue is up against serious competition brought by its Japanese crossover brethren. If you are thinking about buying a crossover, there’s a good chance that you are taking these three options into consideration. So what are the stats? Let’s start with power.
According to Car and Driver, the new Rogue comes out with just one engine option. Under the hood of every 2021 Nissan Rogue, you’ll find a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder power plant. This engine generates 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Although from the 2017 to 2019 model years the Rogue offered a hybrid model, this fuel-thrifty option remains discontinued.
The Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 standard engine options are basically the same
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 standard engine option is a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder as well. However, this engine is rated for up to 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While those numbers are a little higher than the 2021 Nissan Rogue engine, they are largely similar.
The 2021 Honda CR-V uses a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. This option gets 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 pairs its engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The other two crossover options employ a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While they aren’t exactly the same, they are so similar that for anyone comparing the base trim levels of these three the final decision will likely come down to style and how they like the feel of each crossover in a test drive.
Which crossover has the most standard features?
Between the 2021 Nissan Rogue, the 2021 Honda CR-V, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4, Car and Driver reports the new Rogue is the crossover with the most standard features. The 2021 Nissan Rogue S trim comes with standard features. It has the largest (8-inch) standard infotainment display.
In addition, the new Rogue also offers more entry-level safety features. In addition to shared features with the CR-V and the RAV4, the Rogue has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring. It also adds standard 17-inch wheels, LED headlight, and smartphone mirroring which, according to Car and Driver, aren’t standard on the other two crossovers.
Buying a crossover
The 2021 Nissan Rogue starts at $25,650, according to U.S. News and World Report. The 2021 Honda CR-V has a starting price of $25,350, and the entry-level 2021 Toyota RAV4 starts at $26,050. So again, no polarizing differences there.
That said, if you are thinking of buying a crossover and these options are on your radar you may want to take into consideration the fact that the Honda and the Toyota options both offer a hybrid powertrain. While the standard engines all get about the same gas mileage, the Rogue can’t compete with the CR-V and RAV4 hybrids. If you want a thriftier option in terms of fuel economy, you might want to check out the 2021 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in their hybrid versions.