Rogue vs RAV4
You’ll find many great used SUVs for sale here at Southwest Motors including the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. These two best-selling models are popular choices among active families in Pueblo who want safety and comfort in their vehicle as they explore the outdoors. How are the Rogue and RAV4 different, and which one is right for you?
Size differences
Of the two SUVs, the Rogue is the bigger model. It’s approximately 4 inches longer and 1.5 inches taller than the RAV4. Spaciousness is the biggest advantage that the Rogue has over the RAV4. Its larger body dimensions translate to more cargo volume behind the second row (1.5 more cubic feet) and far more hip room in the second row and headroom in the front row.
Power and performance
In recent model years, the RAV4 and the Rogue have both come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as the base unit. Toyota engineers were able to extract a bit more power from the RAV4 powertrain, as the RAV4 exceeds the Rogue in standard peak horsepower and torque. And, the RAV4 has an automatic transmission, whereas the Rogue has a CVT that struggles with hard accelerations.
This leads to the RAV4 having a greater maximum trailing capacity than the Rogue: 1,500 pounds to 1,100 pounds, respectively. It helps that the RAV4 has taller ground clearance, too. Otherwise, the models are nearly identical in their standard wheel sizes, drivetrains, brakes, and suspensions.
Fuel economy
Even though the RAV4 is more powerful than the Rogue, it still receives higher MPG estimates from the EPA. The RAV4 averages 1-2 mpg better in city and highway driving than the Rogue does in model years like 2020.[1] That’s partly because the Rogue is approximately 100 pounds heavier than the RAV4 due to its larger size.
The RAV4 has another advantage in this area due to the existence of the RAV4 Hybrid, as the Rogue doesn’t come in hybrid versions. The RAV4 Hybrid boasts fuel economy rates as high as 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving.[1] The Nissan Rogue used to have a hybrid version, but it was discontinued after 2019.
Safety technology
The Rogue and RAV4 both come with a package of standard safety features on newer model years, including on base-level trims. The Rogue carries Nissan Safety Shield® 360 while the RAV4 has Toyota Safety Sense™. Both packages come with features like pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, pre-collision alert, and automatic high beams.
Distinctive styles
The Rogue and RAV4 each offer different color options in terms of exterior paints. Toyota has more unique shades of blue like Blue Flame and a fiery Ruby Flare red, whereas the Rogue has Sherwood Green Pearl as an option among its customary grey, black, and white. Both can be equipped with aftermarket parts for extra customization. Overall, the RAV4 has a more rugged look with its wheel designs and plastic cladding, while the Rogue has a more subdued appearance.
Starting prices
The Rogue and RAV4 are generally similar in price. Their original MSRPs are nearly equal, with just a few hundred dollars difference. This means they’re usually priced comparably on the used market when you find them for sale at dealerships like Southwest Motors. However, a fully loaded Rogue Platinum SUV does tend to cost less than a fully loaded RAV4 SUV since their top-tier MSRPs differ by a few thousand dollars.
Special versions
Beyond their basic forms, the RAV4 and Rogue manifest their differences most clearly in the variety of high-end trims and editions released over the years. The RAV4 shows its off-roading chops with its TRD packages, while the Rogue has its Midnight Edition®.
Whether the Nissan Rogue or the Toyota RAV4 sounds like a better fit for your family, you can buy either pre-owned SUV at our Pueblo car dealership, Southwest Motors.
[1] Your actual mileage may vary. These figures are based on EPA estimated ratings for 2020 models.