Toyota highlander vs nissan rogue: the battle for family suv dominance

In the competitive realm of family SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Rogue. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Rogue, helping you make an informed decision for your family’s transportation needs.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Toyota Highlander is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan Rogue offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 248 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The Nissan Rogue with the four-cylinder engine achieves 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The turbocharged Rogue has slightly lower fuel economy at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Rogue offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Highlander has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, while the Rogue can accommodate five or seven passengers depending on the configuration.

The Highlander boasts a roomy cabin with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. The second row of seats slides and reclines for added flexibility and comfort. The Rogue’s interior is also spacious, with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom in the first and second rows. However, the third row of seats is best suited for children or short trips due to limited legroom.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Rogue have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Highlander comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

The Rogue also offers a comprehensive safety package, which includes:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Intelligent lane intervention

Technology and Connectivity

The Toyota Highlander and Nissan Rogue both feature user-friendly infotainment systems with large touchscreens. The Highlander’s Entune 3.0 system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Rogue’s NissanConnect system offers similar features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Both vehicles also have advanced navigation systems with real-time traffic updates. The Highlander’s navigation system is integrated with the vehicle’s 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Rogue’s navigation system is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420, while the Nissan Rogue starts at $27,400. The Highlander offers a more powerful engine, a larger interior, and a more comprehensive safety package than the Rogue. However, the Rogue has better fuel economy and a lower starting price.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Rogue depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, interior space, and advanced safety features, the Highlander is an excellent option. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly SUV with good fuel economy, the Rogue is a solid choice.

Verdict: The Winner Is…

Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Rogue are excellent family SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander offers a more powerful engine, a larger interior, and a more comprehensive safety package. The Rogue has better fuel economy and a lower starting price.

The winner of the Toyota Highlander vs. Nissan Rogue comparison is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you prioritize performance, interior space, and advanced safety features, the Toyota Highlander is the better choice. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly SUV with good fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue is a solid option.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or Nissan Rogue?
A: The Nissan Rogue has better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, especially with the four-cylinder engine.

Q: Which SUV offers more interior space, the Highlander or Rogue?
A: The Toyota Highlander has more interior space than the Nissan Rogue, especially in the third row of seats.

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine, the Highlander or Rogue?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Rogue, with 295 horsepower compared to 248 horsepower for the turbocharged Rogue.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Highlander or Rogue?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Rogue have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price, the Highlander or Rogue?
A: The Nissan Rogue has a lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander, starting at $27,400 compared to $36,420.