2016 Nissan Rogue VS 2016 Toyota RAV4

Welcome to the annual comparison tests hosted by Allcarseveryday! To kick off the season, I will be evaluating the 2016 Nissan Rogue and the 2016 Toyota RAV4. These compact SUV’s are in the middle of the fastest growing segment in America; uni-body small SUV’s that attempt to drive like cars. This year I will be comparing the volume model of all of the cars I review, instead of the base model. Because of this I have the Nissan Rogue SV and Toyota RAV4 XLE gathered today to duke it out. Our first category I will be looking into is value. The Rogue starts at $24,490 compared the RAV4’s starting price of $25,240. Standard features on both models include alloy wheels instead of steel, as well as Daytime Running Lights, a moonroof, and power outside mirrors with an integrated turn signal. Both models also include the now very common features such as Stability and Traction control, and Brake Assist. In these models, cloth is still the common ground. But let’s talk about what’s different about the two. There isn’t a lot, but in this close segment, things like the absence of push-button start in the RAV4 unacceptable, especially when competition like the Rogue does have it. Both have backup cameras, and the now necessary infotainment system. Toyota’s ENTUNE Audio Plus is standard in the RAV4 and it comes with a 6.1 high resolution display. It has Bluetooth and hands-free phone capability, among many other features. Similar to this, the Rogue comes with an Advanced Drive Assist Display, which also has Bluetooth and hands-free phone capability, however the screen is 5 inches to the RAV4’s 6.1. This sums up the most notable features of the vehicle well, so it is time to move onto our next category, that being MPG. The Rogue gets 26 miles per gallon in city driving according to the EPA, also turning in 33 MPG on the highway. The RAV4 is less efficient, getting 24 city, 31 highway, respectively. Credit the Rogue’s higher numbers to it’s CVT Transmission which is explained later in the video. Next up we have safety, which is one of the most important categories, and one that is essential that these vehicles exceed in. Neither vehicle lets down, both achieving a ‘Good’ rating in all of the tests the IIHS issues. The pair were each awarded the ‘Top Safety Pick’ category. Both cars also come with the now basic safety equipment on new cars such as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a slew of airbags as well as all the aforementioned electronic safety systems like Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, among others. The two differences here are these: the RAV4 comes with Smart Stop Technology, which stops the car in cases of unintended acceleration. The Rogue does not have that, but it does come with a security system, per Nissan. Let’s move on to styling, which is indeed a subjective category, so if you disagree with what I see, then you may edit the points at the end. However, neither vehicle looks particularly polarizing. Exterior designs are not offensive, but they aren’t good-looking either. The edge goes to the Rogue in my opinion, because of the clean design. The RAV4 and Rogue actually do have pretty good looking interiors, and the Toyota catches up in this area. However, I believe the Nissan’s package is a better overall design. Now let’s bring the duo to duke it out at the track. The RAV4 scoots to 60 miles per hour in 8.9 seconds and covers a quarter mile in 16.8 seconds. The Rogue bests the RAV4 slightly, hitting the 60 MPH mark by 8.7 seconds, while pulling 16.7 in the quarter. These times reflect the powertrains of each vehicle, and the cars make do with very similar engines. The Rogue uses a 2.5 liter four cylinder good for 170 horsepower and 175 pound feet of torque. The RAV4 also uses a 2.5 liter four cylinder; here it make 176 horsepower and 172 pound feet. The big difference between the two is the use of a pretty standard six speed automatic in the RAV4, and a Continuously Variable Transmission (or CVT) in the Rogue. CVT’s have been widely discredited in the automotive community, but unfortunately the CVT technology is still in its first few years of road use. Since the two are so close, they will most likely be assigned the same points in this category. Finally, we have reliability. No one wants to get out to their car on a snowy morning and be late to work because the car wouldn’t start. Fortunately, the Toyota has you covered, as the RAV4 is rated as ‘better than the average car’ by Consumer Reports. The Rogue fairs slightly worse, getting an ‘average’ score from the same organization. In all, the Rogue beats out the RAV4. To see the video of this comparison test, click here.