Which small crossover SUV is the better option, the used Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue? Our buying guide helps you make the best choice!
Key Takeaways
- With rich interior comfort and roomy seating, both compact crossovers impress!
- Save at the pump with the Toyota RAV4’s available hybrid powertrain. But the standard ICE powertrain on the Rogue beats out the RAV4 every time.
- Although both crossovers can be equipped for some adventure, the used Rogue offers a more punchy ride.
- In the used market, you can generally get a good price on a Toyota RAV4, but the Rogue is also a thrifty option
Comfortable Ride: It’s a Tie!
Both the used Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue have well-deserved reputations for cruising comfort! Inside these compact crossovers, you’ll enjoy a smooth, quiet ride and comfortable seating. Recent model years come standard with modern infotainment gear, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And both models also come standard with driver safety aids to help you avoid danger, including forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping alert.
Thrifty Performance: It's (almost) a tie!
Thanks to its available hybrid powertrain, choosing a used RAV4 can help you save on fuel! An all-wheel-drive hybrid RAV4 earns up to 39 mpg combined (41 city/38 highway). But finding a used hybrid is not as likely. More often than not you’ll get the ICE version which has a lower mpg of 27/35 city/highway.
Although the used Nissan Rogue doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain, it’s still a pretty thrifty option. With front-wheel drive, the Rogue’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine earns up to 33 mpg combined (30 city/37 highway). However, the Rogue Platinum is a little less efficient (earning up to 32 mpg combined), along with models equipped with all-wheel drive (with up to 31 mpg combined).
Around town fun: Used Nissan Rogue
When it comes to trip readiness, the used Nissan Rogue earns its first-place ribbon. Nissan’s small crossover delivers a relatively punchy performance, thanks to its turbocharged, 201-horsepower three-cylinder engine. And if you’re shopping for a trail-ready ride, browse the used market for the Rock Creek trim model. Thanks to its off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, it’s more capable than other Rouge trims. This crossover SUV is the perfect option for around town fun and some light trial work on the weekends!
The used RAV4 has something to offer adventurous drivers. Whether you select the 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine or upgrade to the 219-horsepower hybrid powertrain, this crossover has plenty of spunk! And since all-wheel drive is widely available, you should have no problem finding a used RAV4 with this traction-boosting performance gear. You can also choose from a variety of trail-friendly trim models: the Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Woodland Edition!
Best Price: Used Toyota RAV4
According to Kelly Blue Book, a used Toyota RAV4 (with average mileage for the model year) generally starts at a lower price than a used Nissan Rogue!
The latest generation of Toyota RAV4 crossovers debuted for the 2018 model year and continues through to the newest 2025 model. If you’re shopping for a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE in Sebring, Florida, the fair market range from Kelly Blue Book is between $25,743 and $28,384! Of course, you can save even more if you shop for an earlier model year. For instance, the KBB’s fair price range for a 2018 Toyota RAV4 LE is between $15,048 and $16,959.
Meanwhile, the latest generation of Nissan Rogue crossovers began in the 2021 model year and continues through the current model year. The KBB fair market range for the entry-level 2023 Nissan Rogue S is $26,986 to $28,799. The earliest model from this crop of small crossovers, the 2021 Nissan Rogue S, has a fair market range between $18,237 and $21,236.
The Best Option
The used Toyota RAV4 is a comfortable choice, but it’s the used Nissan Rogue that delivers the most bang for your buck. It is a comfortable all-around vehicle with great gas mileage and is ready for adventure on the weekend!