Rogue v. Venza: Help some newlyweds choose

[SamanthaJ]

The husband and I have narrowed down our crossover search to the Venza, Rogue and EX35. We are somewhat flexible on price and are looking to purchase a car which will be with us until we have a few kids.

I love sexy lines on a car, but am looking for generally basic gadgetry (with exception to the must have back-up camera). Quality and reliability are most important which is why I'm more inclined to choose a Toyota, though I have much respect for Nissan. I'd love to have your input, especially on the feel of the 4 cylinder FWD as I'd likely for the V6 FWD on the Venza.

Thanks!

[philipa_240sx]

Hello SamanathaJ and welcome to the NICOClub Rogue Forums!

The EX35 and Venza are much larger, more substantial, and better equipped vehicles than the Rogue. You really cannot compare to the Venza or EX35 to the Rogue as they are not typically in the same class. However lower trim levels of the Venza do overlap with the Rogue in terms of price.

The Rogue's 4cyl will be no match for either the Toyota V-6 or EX35 in terms of power and smoothness. Fuel economy however will be better with the Rogue. Many of our members average 27-30mpg on FWD Rogue models.

The only Rogue model with a backup camera is the base S FWD with the optional 360deg Package. However, the backup camera can be installed as an accessory to any Rogue.

Noise, comfort, etc will be all relative. I expect the EX35 and Venza to be quieter inside than the Rogue.

The Rogue is fairly roomy, but the Venza likely beats it hands down. If you are planning on having kids, be forewarned that the back seat of the Rogue will not fit some types of rear facing infant car seats.

Reliability wise, the Rogue has been very good. There have only been a few minor recalls. Most of us (myself included) have put many trouble free miles on our Rogue's.

Sounds like the Rogue is all negatives? Not really. It's just in a different class than the EX35 and Venza. It all depends on your needs and price range

[kerrton]

Ah ha, one of my favorite topics, comparing vehicles!!

Phil beat me to the punch and captured the comparison perfectly, I would just add that the Venza beats the Rogue in most categories but not all, and it depends on what your priorities are. My priority when purchasing was:

Fun to drive AND excellent utility AND medium size (not too big, not too small) AND excellent fuel economy AND low price. The answer for me was the Rogue and no others came close. The Venza wasn't available in 08 but even if it was I wouldn't have purchased it because it gets sub-par fuel economy because of it's size, it's a little too big for me, it is a little low and car-like and wouldn't be as fun to zip around in, maneouver in parking lots etc.. The price is higher than the Rogue, so going with my priorities the Rogue beats the Venza.

If your priorities are a BIG engine, slightly larger crossover, lots of gadgets, and quality and you aren't too worried about price or fuel efficiency then the Venza beats the Rogue. The Venza does come with a large 2.7L 4-cylinder which makes roughly the same numbers as the Rogue (just 10 more horsepower) so you might not gain much there, but the 3.5 L V6 would be vastly superior to the Rogue in terms of power, smoothness and noise. The Rogue engine is quite noisy and the Venza 3.5 would definately be quiet and smooth in comparison, but like Phil said, you can't really compare these two directly as they're in different classes and the Venza is quite a bit more expensive.

As a side note, the Rogue is my "big" vehicle, I have one 2-yr old who I've hauled around in the Rogue since she was born and this vehicle has been great, we're planning on having another child soon and the Rogue will handle 2 car seats with plenty of room, as I'm sure the Venza would too.

In terms of quality, you can research and compare the Venza to Rogue at TrueDelta.com - I think both have very good reliability. One thing I will note is that my Rogue has it's share of minor cabin squeeks and rattles, nothing major and I'm not sure if I'm typical, also don't know if the Venza is the same but I'd say the Rogue is about average in terms of "quiet cabin".

I'd recommend test driving all 3 vehicles, do a side-by-side comparison of the specs and prices and I think your favorite will jump right out at you. Good luck!

BTW, you might want to have a look at this thread too:

zer...-copy

[Elton Noway]

Sounds like the Rogue is all negatives? Not really. It's just in a different class than the EX35 and Venza. It all depends on your needs and price range

philipa... once again you've nailed it, providing the necessary details and facts... all in a concise and non-biased summary. Nice job.

The husband and I have narrowed down our crossover search to the Venza, Rogue and EX35. We are somewhat flexible on price and are looking to purchase a car which will be with us until we have a few kids.

Hi SamanathaJ... As philipa identified the Venza and EX35 are a different class of automobile than the Rogue. Although it sounds like you have your selection narrowed down... from a roominess and interior creature comfort standpoint the Nissan Murano would be a better apples to apples comparison if you wanted a Nissan vehicle in the mix.

I'll admit the Rogue is my first Nissan automobile. I've been driving Toyotas and Hondas for over 20 years so I struggled with the decision process. I'll also admit the FX45 was my first choice (if money was no object).

I drove and researched all the various crossovers for 4 months before settling on the Rogue. I first eliminated EX and FX Infiniti models simple due to their less than ideal fuel economy and the fact that both models require the use of "premium" fuel. Over the life of the car, the price difference for premium gas was more money than I wanted to spend. Another consideration was the price of fuel in general. As you may know, regular fuel is expected to hit $3.00 a gallon this spring. Granted there are even more fuel efficient cars than the Rogue but my wife and I put passenger safety high on our list (above creature comforts). Simple physics... the bigger the car the better your odds are in a crash... but... the fuel economy suffers. You can get a smaller car with good crash test ratings and better fuel economy but in a crash with a bigger car the smaller car still looses. The Rogue provided us with the larger vehicle advantage but without a huge effect on fuel economy.

We also liked the Venza and test drove the 4 cylinder model several times but we struggled with the lack of power. It simply did not have the power or acceleration of the Rogue which was the peppiest of all 4 cyl SUV style vehicles we drove. The 6 cyl Venza was great on power and fun to drive but then the fuel economy suffered.

NET: In the end we decided we could add the bells and whistles we wanted (navigation, backup camera etc) to the fuel efficient Rogue rather than paying the higher price for a vehicle that included these features but suffered on fuel economy. My wife absolutely loves her Rogue.

That said... philipa was being honest with you on cabin roominess. If you are planning a family the Rogue may not be your best choice due to the issue with mounting an infant seat. Then again... if you or your husband don't mind riding in the back you could put the infant seat in the front seat but if you are planning on more than two children you may want to look at a larger vehicle.

[kerrton]

If child seats are an issue, I'd recommend test fitting one at the dealership before buying.

The one area I disagree with Elton on is the Rogue's suitability for children and car seats. Like I said, I have been using the Rogue with my kid for 2 years and not only do the 3 car seats that I have fit, there is lots of room to spare. I find the back seat very roomy, and leg room is more than adequate. I bought the Rogue a month after my first child was born because I needed a kid-hauler, my 4-door sedan didn't cut it but the Rogue is the perfect kid/family vehicle for me. I'm going to add a roof-top bin this summer to increase the cargo capacity even further, even thought we've always been able to fit everything we need in the cargo area....

I've never understood why people think they NEED to run out and buy a huge minivan the moment they have a child. In the 80's this may have made sense, but minivans are not mini anymore, and because of their size are not the best on fuel. On the other hand, if you've got 3 or more kids, then you might want to consider a van!!

[Pescakl1]

Guys, you are going a little bit out of topic here: They don't have kids and they will keep this vehicle UNTIL they have one.

Samantha, the problem to answer your question is that none of the three contenders are in the same category (and that is ok, I do the same when looking for a new car, even comparing sedan vs CUV): Rogue is smaller than the Venza, the EX35 is a luxury one.

So it really depends of what it is important to you, and for that, it is hard to give you advice.Lease or buy? If this is a purchase, how long do you plan to keep it? Need cargo space (hauling stuff, camping)? Power or fuel economy? Need AWD? Is it just to move two persons or will you transport other adults? Primary car, second car or only car?

Depending of the answers to these questions, it will move you closer to one category more than the other two. After, thanks to a lot of good choices on the market lately, you will get even more choices by comparing with the close competitors.

But since it is the Rogue forum, I will honestly tell you that my car have been great for the almost two years I have it (great fuel economy, really zippy from a dead start thanks to the torquey engine (my wife loves that part of the car, for me, it is only after a snow storm as I wave good bye all the others at the green light )). If I have to choose again today, it will be the Rogue again, but probably the AWD version because of our winter here, for more safety for my family.

Have fun test driving your choices, that is the best part of searching for a new car.

BTW Elton, she is from Toronto, so she is already at above $3 a gallon. For that, we are unfortunately ahead of you) .

[paulvanharte]

I agree with all the answers so far. We have the Rogue SL AWD and would never sacrifice AWD. When the Venza came out I immediately liked it, yes its much bigger than the Rogue.We drove one and I immediately noticed the diference in handling and steering. The steering in the Venza did not give a lot of feedback and in general the Rogue seemed more like a "sports car" in the way it handled.More subjective, but the Venza on the inside looked like your average Buick. The Rogue again was more sporty. Despite the CVT issue, which really is not an issue now that they have a fix, our Rogue has been well above average and I would buy another one.

Paul

[going rogue]

...but the Venza on the inside looked like your average Buick

That's exactly the impression I got, "This interior would really appeal to retirees". It actually made me feel older just sitting there.

[DanTheMan]

My wife and I struggled with the same issue. We have been Toyota folks for close to 20 years. I liked the Venza, but it was a tad out of my price range for everything I wanted. I then test drove the Rogue and I realized what I have been missing these past years in driving Toyota's.

Tight and responsive rides. .. The Rogue handles very "sporty" as compared to the Toyota. However, that softness gives toyota the luxury feel that I have grown to love.

I think the Rogue is a very well built and reliable vehicle. If you choose it, you will not regret it..

Cheers!

[casperfun]

ok my standpoint is from a person who actually was planning on purchasing a Venza back in August of 2009. My impression was that it's a solidly built vehicle. After test driving it, I found the ride smooth with alot of room in the front and back seats which was very nice. Since my family bought 3 toyota's in the past and a 4th this month actually (camry) I was hoping to find a good deal. But since the dealership was charging sticker price (during the cash for cluncker deals), I decided the Venza was not worth purchasing. So I thought I try getting a Nissan. I drove a 1990 Nissan maxima for 16 yrs.

Anyways, I thought the rogue would be a good fit. So I end up purchasing one last August. My impression was it had a very good safety ratings which meant alot since I had a newborn the month earlier. Though i'm a short person, it's kinda tight fit for a rear facing child seat but does work. Rear facing baby seats are illegal in my state on the front passenger seat unless its a car with no backseat.

Only issue that stood out for me personally and are stated known issues here include no locking glovebox or gas cap. No biggie to me I survive. Rear windshield is small which may create blindspots for you. This does not really bother me either since I use blind spot mirror attachments and I look behind carefully. Which brings me to the exterior styling, I grown to love the way the Rogue looks from behind and at a angle.

When it rains, it sounds like the lift gate is open or ajar. It was really that noticeable!!!!!! Dry driving is fine. I actually think it drives smoother than my parents 2007 IS 250 Lexus. Which brings me to the CVT. Its my first time in a CVT. It feels like an electric car the way it accelerates which I don't really mind, I actually like how smooth it accelerates. I really dont miss the slight tug when the gear shifts. Moreover, I drive with a light foot but I am no Sunday driver. I also consider Toyota's as having very smooth engines and a pleasure on long highway trips.

While in the cabin. I actually grinded my ignition while parked because I didnt know it was on. The engine is really quiet too; as in being barely perceptible. Some say the engine is loud. I guess from listening from the outside. It really accelerates nicely from a stoplight. A 4-cylinder that does not have to pull as much weight can get the job done.

Still have not fixed any recalls. I want to wait until the cold weather is over. Had no problems really but the paint flecking off near the bottom. I guess from the bits of road debris or minute particles getting stuck between the seals and paint. I covered with tape for now.

Just my 2 cents. Love my Rogue!

[dolbydj]

Hi Samantha! I live in downtown Toronto and paid $26,500 (on the road)for my 2009 Rogue Awd S about 6 months ago. A similarly equipped Venza would be a $10,000 premium because Toyota guys didn't really want to discount much on a brand new design. I love the Rogue! It is pretty quick if you want to drive it fast and frugal if you are stuck in traffic in Toronto.

The EX 35 is a beautiful car with an exquisite interior, but the cash deal was $41,000 and the trunk is as big as a suitcase. It's basically a coupe and there is no way you would be going big box store (Ikea, Best Buy, etc.)shopping with that car.

The Venza is a nice crossover, the negatives have been mentioned by previous posters. But what really drew my attention to this car and the Edge when it launched were the awesome wheels! Those are 20 inchers! Replacement tires might run you $1000 every 3 years (not including snow tires) and the potholes in the city will do a number on your back. I find the Rogue an excellent car for the price and now I can also account for minor fender benders or door dings that might come along the way. A navigation / backup set-up might cost you $1500 installed for a name brand or $500 if you are handy and go for the license plate type.

If I were to do it again, I would have bought an AWD SL with or without leather and would have paid $28,300 - $31,000 (out the door). Keep in mind that this is 2009 cash deal price with Nissan incentives. Also, I found that many of the larger dealerships weren't giving me the best price. Scarborough, Richmond Hill, and Mississauga were all over $1000 more than what I settled on. In my experience having owned and operated 10 vehicles it doesn't really matter where you buy or where you get service. You won't get much of a deal if you purchased your car there, as a matter of fact I have been gauged many times by premium dealerships because they were flagship dealers.

Good luck to you and tell us how you did! If you buy another make, come back and update us on your take and durability issues.

[rouge-rogue]

I live in BC and I also got a 2009 Rogue AWD S too and I paid $26,307.33 OTR everything included like taxes, levies and paint fees etc on July 2009. Here is my buying experience thread. zerothread?id=438223

As for the question Rogue vs Venza, I choose the Rogue because its way cheaper back then with the $4000 cash rebate and Nissan dealership was nicer and gave me close to invoice pricing (toyota would not budge on the Venza and would only give me a small discount, toyota dealerships here in BC laughed at me saying the Venza is hot and they would only sell at MSRP). The final thing that made my decision was when I showed my dad the brochure of the Venza and he said "Is that the new Camry station wagon"

[jet lee]

Did you watch abc news about Toyota's accelerators Out of Control.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=8990979

[jet lee]

I love my rogue. even better than bmw x6(my opinion). bmw X6 can't climbing hills .my rogue climbing that little hills no problem!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...edded

[casperfun]

[QUOTE=jet lee]I love my rogue. even better than bmw x6(my opinion). bmw X6 can't climbing hills .my rogue climbing that little hills no problem!

Hard to believe the Nissan Rogue could do better than a 300 horsepower BMW x6, But I was always impressed with the Rogue's acceleration. The 4 cylinder Rogue carries nearly 1500 lbs less then the BMW X6 so its understandable. Less weight to carry, easier to climb hills. Personally I dont do much hill driving since I see more oceanfront than hills.

[nbguy66]

I was in a similar situation - Rogue or Venza. Although the Venza was more spacious and more luxurious, we'd heard it drove like a boat. It also looked too much like a station wagon for me, not to mention the higher cost of ownership. The Toyota salesperson was very smug with us and unwilling to deal. I also wanted a smaller vehicle. Oh.... and after complaining to my wife that the Venza was too pristine lookling on the inside and that I wanted a more utility-minded interior we chose the leather package with the Rogue. Go figure... but no regrets.

Pros: Very fun to drive, great seating position, comfortable, tech package, Bose sound system (overrated but sounds great), easy to get in and out, excellent in snow (have snow tires, *much* better than the XTrail), spirited engine and the sport-shift is great fun, decent fuel economy, excellent handling and cornering, it's a Nissan, great center display and buttons on the steering wheel, gets a lot of compliments!

Cons: Been having some wind noise (whistling) from the windshield and driver's side door. have not had this checked yet. Rear visibility not great but not a big problem for us, little accessible storage between the seats (missed this from the XTrail), rearview mirror is huge and is in my line of sight at times.

[Pescakl1]

Since my family bought 3 toyota's in the past and a 4th this month actually (camry) I was hoping to find a good deal. But since the dealership was charging sticker price (during the cash for cluncker deals), I decided the Venza was not worth purchasing.

Toyota guys didn't really want to discount much on a brand new design.

toyota would not budge on the Venza and would only give me a small discount, toyota dealerships here in BC laughed at me saying the Venza is hot and they would only sell at MSRP

The Toyota salesperson was very smug with us and unwilling to deal.

I am starting to see a trend here that looks like the experience I had when I leased my RAV4 in 2004.Samantha, if you are interested in a Venza, you may check with a Toyota dealer if they are interested in financing one for you. From my experience, the fact that you are a wealthy person (I was at that time: single, no kid ) doesn't mean that Toyota Finance will accept to finance you buying their cars. If you pay cash, that is of course a different story.