Cars.comparison: Small SUVs, Take II
The champ from our first small SUV faceoff, the Toyota RAV4, takes on two new challengers here: the all-new Nissan Rogue and the redesigned Saturn Vue. Find out if it gets to keep its bragging rights.
= Category winner| The Contenders | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD | 2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD | 2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport V-6 AWD |
| Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
| Base MSRP | ||
| $21,870 | $26,325 | $25,840 |
| Price as tested | ||
| $26,615 | $30,495 | $27,784 |
| The non-cute-ute | ||
| We're not sure what the Rogue looks like. A squished Murano? A tall Sentra? It's definitely a Nissan, but it doesn't stand out on its own. It looks best in profile and from the rear. | The Vue exudes European styling, which is more sophisticated than cute. It's the best-looking one of the bunch. | Toyota didn't get daring with the RAV4. It's the most non-descript of the three and the easiest to lose in a parking lot. Large wheels add a little aggressiveness. |
| Drivetrain | ||
| The Rogue's only engine is a four-cylinder, and though it provides acceptable acceleration, it won't overwhelm you. Optional shift paddles make the most of its power. | The XR's 3.6-liter V-6 is plenty strong, but the six-speed automatic lacks refinement; it sometimes lurches when downshifting to pass. Torque steer can be a problem. | With its 3.5-liter V-6, this is one quick SUV. However, there's a hint of torque steer when you're accelerating hard. |
| Gas mileage* (city/highway, mpg) | ||
| 21/26 | 16/22 | 19/26 |
| Ride and handling | ||
| Steering is sharp and precise without being too heavy. The ride isn't as quiet as the Vue's, but it is comfortable on long drives. And the Rogue is surprisingly fun to drive on winding roads. | As a cruiser, the Vue reigns supreme. The ride is cushy without giving up too much road feel, and the Vue definitely wins the road noise test. The steering lacks the pinpoint accuracy of the other two, though. | The RAV4 Sport has a sport-tuned suspension, which makes for a taut ride; think of it as a Camry with elevator shoes. This SUV is also stable on the highway and has precise steering. |
| Interior refinement | ||
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With classy-looking gauges, straightforward controls and good overall material quality, the Rogue's cabin makes a good first impression. The SL's leather is high-quality and adds a sporty feel. |
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The optional leather seats are luxurious for this class, and the materials on the dash and doors are top rate. Flashy touches like chrome trim are executed well; Saturn didn't slouch on any of the basics. |
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The faux aluminum dashboard trim is a bit jarring, but even though the dash is largely hard plastic, its low-gloss finish and detailed graining give it an upscale look. The controls are first-rate. |
| Seating comfort | ||
| There's nothing earth-shattering about the front seats other than their slung-back positioning; the cockpit purposely mimics that of a sports car to give an air of performance. Though the backseat is rather spacious, the fact that the backrest doesn't recline is puzzling. | To like the Vue, you'd better like sitting up straighter than you would in other small SUVs. Once you get accustomed to the bus-like position, the seats will likely win you over with their comfort and support. The backseat can recline, and the leather gives the cabin a touch of class. | Though the front seats are comfortable, they lack adjustments like cushion tilt and have limited room to move back. Some have complained that the front seat cushions are too short. |
| Cargo area utility | ||
| The Rogue's rear seats fold forward easily to expand the 28.9-cubic-foot cargo space to 57.9 cubic feet. A pop-up organizer in the rear of the SL is a nifty, useful gadget that's great for quick grocery runs. | The rear seats fold easily, and the cargo floor is truly flat. An innovative cargo rail system is a nice feature. The Vue is more than capable for most lugging duties, with 29.9 cubic feet of space with the seats up, but it sports the smallest cargo area of the three when expanded to 56.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. | In the two-row model, there's 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a massive 73 cubic feet when that seat is folded. The folding seats can be operated from the hatch, which is extremely useful. What keeps it from being the winner is its swing-gate, which is difficult to open in tight parking spots. It also opens toward the curb, forcing you to load and unload cargo into traffic. |
| Safety features | ||
| Side airbags for the front seats, and front and rear side curtain airbags are standard, as are antilock brakes, active front head restraints and an electronic stability system. | The Vue has six standard airbags, like the Rogue and RAV4, and its electronic stability system features Electronic Trailer Sway Control, which applies the SUV's brakes when it observes improper trailer motion. ABS and active front head restraints are also standard. | The RAV4 has side-impact airbags for the front seats, ABS and a stability system. It adds offroad safety features like Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control. The side curtain airbags, however, only cover the first two rows of seats, not the optional third row. |
| Overall value | ||
| You can drive happily in a Rogue SL AWD without adding any options for $22,615, which beats the other two handily. Even loaded with leather and a premium package that includes Bluetooth and other goodies, the Rogue comes out ahead. | The solid ride and upscale interior come at a hefty price. The Vue costs more than the competitors here as well as almost every other SUV in the segment — even without our model's $2,145 navigation system. If you're looking for a great value, you're not going to find it at a no-haggle Saturn dealership. | Even with a V-6 engine, the RAV4 gets good mileage, saving you money at the pump. Toyota's quality reputation will help with resale, but considering the lack of leather and other refinements, the price feels too high. |
| Editors' choice | ||
| If you don't mind its modest power, the Rogue's combination of ride comfort, fuel economy, passenger room and features for the money give it the things that are important to small-SUV shoppers. | The Vue combines style, utility and interior quality in just the right proportion to win us over. It may not offer the most excitement behind the wheel, but that's not what this segment is all about. It does the job while looking great, and makes you think you're in a more luxurious vehicle. Delete the nav system for the same feeling at a lower price. | Our winner last time around still looks pretty good against the new kids where powertrain and overall refinement are concerned, but the Rogue's and Vue's cabins are more inviting. |
*All gas mileage estimates reflect new EPA testing procedures for 2008.
Posted on 10/31/07
Next Step?
- 2008 Nissan Rogue
- 2008 Saturn Vue
- 2007 Toyota RAV4
