2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota Venza was a stylish SUV that drew comparisons to Lexus models, thanks to its sleek design and elongated profile reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. It was shorter and closer to the ground than the Toyota RAV4, yet shared the same wheelbase, offering a unique blend of elegance and practicality. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a range of paint colours and a comprehensive list of standard features, including LED lighting, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety technologies. The interior was well-appointed, with options for a larger infotainment screen and premium features like a Star Gaze panoramic roof in the Limited trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence. Its squared-off nose and V-Motion grille, flanked by LED headlamps and functional air vents, contributed to a lower drag coefficient despite its boxier shape. The Rogue's exterior colour options were limited, but the Platinum grade offered two-tone configurations. Inside, the Rogue featured cloth seating in most trims, with leatherette and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather available in higher trims. The Rogue's interior updates included a quieter cabin, improved second-row access, and a redesigned cargo system, enhancing its practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency. The Venza achieved a Natural Resources Canada-estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway, and 6.1 combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano, Passport, and Blazer. Its handling was confident and typical of Toyota, with a focus on comfort and reliability.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered improved performance and fuel efficiency over the previous generation. The Rogue's fuel consumption was rated at 8.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.1 combined for front-wheel drive, with slightly higher figures for all-wheel drive. The Rogue's handling was enhanced by a 27% improvement in torsional rigidity, a lighter weight, and updated suspension and stability control systems, providing a stable and planted road feel.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with various controls and a wireless charging pad. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for five and ample headroom. However, the Venza's cargo space was limited compared to the RAV4, with 816 litres available, though it was still sufficient for daily use. The Venza's interior was more refined and elegant, catering to those seeking a more upscale experience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's interior updates included a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, adding storage space under the centre stack. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof and leatherette upholstery available in higher trims. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres with the seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded, offering practicality for families and road trips.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, with a larger 12.3-inch screen in the XLE and Limited trims. The Entune system, while improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. Standard technology included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system available in higher trims. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also included.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added features like in-car Wi-Fi and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade introduced a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The Rogue's technology was functional and easy to use, with a logical layout and clear graphics, though the digital instrument cluster in the Platinum grade had readability issues.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available in higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models for better frontal crash test results.