Honda CR-V vs. Nissan Rogue: Compact SUV Comparison

At this point, it’s safe to say that our friends across the pond in Japan know how to make some of the best SUVs around. There’s no shortage of renowned automotive brands based there, but which one is the all-time greatest?

We don’t have time to compare them all here, but we can compare two of the most popular. The Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue are two of the most popular models right now, and now that the 2025 models are starting to roll onto our Honda dealership in Goleta, CA, we figured now was the perfect time to reignite the rivalry.

Performance

Since you’re not likely to find either SUV on a drag racing strip any time soon, and they’re primarily family economy vehicles, we’ll judge this section based on which one is the SUV with the best fuel economy.

All Rogue models are powered by a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, which puts out 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. With front-wheel drive, this engine gets 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, while the all-wheel drive version gets a slightly diminished 28 in the city and 35 on the highway.

The CR-V has two available powertrains—it can be optioned with either gasoline or hybrid. The gas engine is capable of up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, but folks looking to maximize their fuel savings will want to spring for the CR-V Hybrid, which gets an impressive 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway when combined with front-wheel drive.

Both SUVs also have up to 1,500 pounds of towing capacity, so they’re effectively tied in terms of power.

Verdict: While the gas-powered Rogue has slightly better gas mileage than the CR-V’s standard engine, the CR-V Hybrid takes a decisive victory with a much better overall combined MPG.

Interior Space

One of the main reasons that shoppers decide on a compact SUV is that they’re close enough to cars that they’re easy to drive, but they also provide tons of extra storage options for family shopping missions and road trips.

Now, let’s compare the CR-V and Rogue’s interior dimensions:

At first glance, they seem pretty evenly matched, but there are some key differences to note. The Rogue has about an inch more headroom in both rows, but it has significantly less leg room in the second row, making it cramped for adults and teenagers. The CR-V also has 2 to 3 more cubic feet of cargo space, which makes a massive difference when you’re trying to transport a bunch of groceries or luggage.

Verdict: The CR-V’s superior rear seat and cargo dimensions put it ahead of the Rogue by a long shot.

Features

So, how do these two SUV’s respective comfort amenities stack up?

The 2025 CR-V comes with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and either a 7.0-inch or a 9.0-inch center infotainment display. Regardless of which screen you choose, both are compatible with Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™. Upper-level CR-V Hybrid trims also come standard with SiriusXM®, wireless phone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Rogue’s infotainment setup consists of an 8.0-inch center screen in the lower trims, while the more expensive versions get a 12.3-inch touch screen display. Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ are standard here as well, while wireless charging and in-vehicle Wi-Fi is reserved for the higher trim levels. 

Verdict: The Rogue may have slightly larger screen options, but the CR-V gets points for its modern, intuitive interface, and both have a solid set of standard features. Which one wins out will likely come down to individual taste.

Safety

Now, which is the safest small SUV out of the two?

The CR-V comes with a ton of standard driver assistive features, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Driver Attention Monitor, and Auto High-Beam Headlights. Nearly all trims come with Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitor as well.

The Rogue also comes with an impressive list of features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Driver Attention Alert, and High Beam Assist. But many of its safety features are only available in more expensive models.

Since the 2025 models just released, they haven’t received any official safety scores, but we can still look at the versions from last year. For 2024, the Honda CR-V won an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, while the 2024 Rogue didn’t.

Verdict: The CR-V’s Honda Sensing® suite of standard driver assistance features and excellent safety scores make it the best choice for shoppers looking for a safe SUV.

Honda CR-V Hybrid for Sale Near Lompoc, CA

There are oodles of reasons why the 2025 CR-V is the smart choice for drivers in Santa Barbara and beyond, and lucky for you, we have plenty in stock right now! We also have special offers on new cars, a College Grad Program, and plenty of other ways to save on a new Honda SUV near you.

Ready to test drive one for yourself? Give us a call today at (805) 755-4997 or contact us on our website any time and one of our friendly sales professionals will be happy to help you with your hunt for the perfect family vehicle.