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A blue 2021 Nissan Rogue parked on the track.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Dares You to Test the Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Nissan Rogue must feel pretty confident because it’s challenging its top rival, the 2021 Toyota RAV4. While the Nissan Rogue is sporting a fresh redesign, the Toyota RAV4 already has a great look and features to match. So can the Rogue take down the champion?  The 2021 Nissan Rogue vs. the 2021 Toyota …

The 2021 Nissan Rogue must feel pretty confident because it’s challenging its top rival, the 2021 Toyota RAV4. While the Nissan Rogue is sporting a fresh redesign, the Toyota RAV4 already has a great look and features to match. So can the Rogue take down the champion? 

The 2021 Nissan Rogue vs. the 2021 Toyota RAV4 

Nissan dealerships are daring shoppers to test drive the 2020 Toyota RAV4 to provide a side by side comparison. This is a pretty confident move since the RAV4 is currently the best selling vehicle in its class and the best selling vehicle that isn’t a pickup truck. About 500 Nissan Dealerships will have 2020 and 2021 model RAV4s from December 11 to January 11. 

A blue 2021 Nissan Rogue parked on the track.
2021 Nissan Rogue | Nissan

According to FoxBusiness, Nissan dealerships will have rented 2021 Toyota RAV4 models available so that potential buyers can take both SUVs for a spin.

Judy Wheeler, Vice President of Nissan Sales, shared that when customers check out the brand new Nissan Rogue against the RAV4, they will be amazed by the standard safety, advanced technology, premium value, and most importantly, the outstanding overall value it provides. 

A 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE driving down a road
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in action | Photo via Toyota

Car and Driver shared that giving the Nissan Rogue a more attractive look, nicer interior, and enhanced tech will hopefully make it more competitive with Toyota and Honda’s rivals. In September 2020, Nissan sold 167,401 Rogue models while Toyota sold 302,574 RAVs, so it sounds like an uphill battle.          

Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 features 

The brand new Rogue starts around $26,745, while the Toyota RAV4 begins at a slightly higher price of about $27,225. Both SUVs quickly raise in price from there.

However, the Toyota RAV4 is slightly more powerful with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Rogue has 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Car Connection noted that the Nissan Rogue has a smoother and quieter ride than before, but the suspension is a little stiff. 

TCC also mentioned that the Toyota RAV has a very smooth ride over bumps. The TRD Pro off-roading trim has sportier handling and grips the road well for curves. But the seats in the RAV4 don’t feel as comfortable as the Rogues. 

2021 Nissan Rogue Interior
2021 Nissan Rogue Interior | Nissan

Drivers may notice that both SUVs feel the same, but they may notice that the Toyota RAV4 is a little faster. Also, ride quality will be noticable with back to back test drives. What if this backfires and people enjoy the RAV4 more? Then Toyota will gain free potiential customers.  

2021 Nissan Rogue and 2021 Toyota RAV4 tech 

Both of these SUVs come with optional all-wheel-drive, so they can tackle snow. But the RAV4 offers a beefier off-roading trim for adventuring. While safety tests haven’t been performed for the 2021 models, they both have automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. 

2020 Toyota RAV4 Off Road in the desert on a trail with the bike on the roof rack
2020 Toyota RAV4 Off Road | Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 includes more standard safety features, but the Nissan Rogue throws in more convenience features such as keyless entry. Also, the RAV4 includes more tech like a standard wifi hotspot and a hands-free communication system. 

Perhaps driving the 2021 Nissan Rogue and 2021 Toyota RAV4 will help you make your final decision between these two SUVs. However, it seems like with the Toyota RAV4, you get a little more in each category for more value.

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