Here in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue are especially popular among local families and commuters who need both comfort and capability. The RAV4, winner of the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award for 2024, offers powerful engine options, hybrid availability, and excellent safety ratings. The Nissan Rogue, ranked as the #1 compact SUV by MotorTrend for three consecutive years, offers advanced interior tech, standard intelligent all-wheel drive, and spacious rear seating. This guide compares the Nissan Rogue vs. Toyota RAV4 to help you decide which may be the best SUV for your needs.
Pricing and Value: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck
The 2025 Nissan Rogue starts at an MSRP of $28,790, making it slightly more affordable upfront compared to the Toyota RAV4, which has a starting price of around $29,800. While the Rogue offers a lower entry price and comes standard with all-wheel drive, the RAV4 compensates with a more powerful engine, hybrid variants, and strong long-term reliability. Buyers looking for fuel-efficient hybrid options and proven durability might find the RAV4 offers better value despite the small price premium. On the other hand, budget-conscious shoppers may appreciate the Rogue’s competitive base pricing alongside its rich standard features.
Performance Under the Hood: Engine and Drivetrain Analysis
The RAV4’s 2.5-liter inline-4 engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Rogue uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine that produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque paired with a CVT transmission. Both models are equally speedy: the Toyota boasts a 0-60 mph time of around 8.3 seconds, or 7.4 seconds with the hybrid, while the Nissan is rated at 8 seconds.
Both models are standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional for better handling in poor weather. Although the Rogue’s variable compression turbo engine is innovative, some drivers report the CVT transmission to be less reliable over time than the RAV4’s traditional automatic.
Fuel Economy Face-Off: MPG in City and Highway Driving
Whether you’re running errands around Prosper or heading down Highway 380, both SUVs deliver great gas mileage to keep your trips efficient. The Toyota RAV4 earns class-competitive fuel-economy estimates from the EPA, including an estimated 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for the gas trims or 38 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for the hybrid model. The Nissan, with its turbocharged three-cylinder engine, is rated at up to 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, but offers no hybrid model. Choosing all-wheel drive drops these figures to 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, putting it in line with the RAV4 AWD. For more information about the RAV4 or Rogue’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior Space and Comfort: Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Both models seat up to five passengers comfortably, but use the similarly sized space inside a little differently. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 offers 41.0 inches of legroom in front and 37.8 inches at the rear. The 2025 Nissan Rogue offers a slightly more roomy 41.5 inches of legroom in the front but less in the rear (38.5 inches), which may be a consideration for families with older kids or who want to future-proof their SUV. Both provide plenty of space for passengers on short or long drives.
Cargo space is near-equivalent between both vehicles. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and expands to a maximum of 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, so there’s plenty of room for luggage, sports equipment, and other gear. The Nissan has slightly less space (36.5 cubic feet) behind the second row but a larger maximum capacity of 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Technology and Safety
Lower Toyota trims come with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, but a 10.5-inch display is optional on the XLE Premium or standard on the Limited trim. It offers a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for smartphones. Optional features include a JBL premium audio system, a navigation system, and a wireless charging pad, which many modern families appreciate. Most trims come with a separate 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, but a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge display comes standard on the Limited models.
In comparison, Nissan offers the same-sized standard 8.0-inch screen on the base, but SL and Platinum models sport a larger 12.3-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while in-dash navigation and a Bose stereo system are available. It also includes a wireless charging pad and a separate 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster, but only on the higher SL and Platinum models.
Toyota also comes complete with more standard safety tech, including standard adaptive cruise control, whereas Nissan offers this as a paid-for option. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Toyota’s base but standard on the rest and standard for Nissan. Both models receive decent ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Wins for Your Needs
Out of the RAV4 vs. Rogue, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the better all-round choice for those who want a powerful engine and excellent long-term reliability and resale value. The Nissan Rogue appeals to buyers looking for a tech-rich and comfortable cabin with advanced standard features. For most drivers looking for balanced performance, fuel economy, and proven dependability, the Toyota RAV4 wins slightly over the Nissan Rogue in the 2025 compact SUV segment. If you’d like to experience the new Toyota RAV4 for yourself, visit Longo Toyota of Prosper for a test-drive today.
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