Trying to decide between the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4? This simple MPG guide breaks down city, highway, and combined fuel economy, real-world mileage, and yearly fuel costs — so you can pick the SUV that saves you more at the pump.
Direct MPG Answer (Quick Summary)
• Nissan Rogue: Up to 30 city / 37 highway / 33 combined MPG (FWD)
• Toyota RAV4: Up to 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG (FWD)
• In gas models, the Rogue usually gets slightly better MPG than the RAV4.
If fuel savings matter to you, this difference adds up over time.
City / Highway / Combined MPG
Here’s how they compare in regular gasoline versions:
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue (FWD) | 30 | 37 | 33 |
| Rogue (AWD) | 28 | 35 | 31 |
| RAV4 (FWD) | 27 | 35 | 30 |
| RAV4 (AWD) | 25–27 | 32–34 | 28–30 |
👉 Buyer Highlight:
The Rogue leads by about 2–3 MPG in most gas trims.
AWD vs FWD Comparison
All-wheel drive helps in snow and rain, but it uses more fuel.
| Drive Type | MPG Impact | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) | Best MPG | Lower fuel costs, lighter vehicle |
| AWD (All-Wheel Drive) | 2–3 MPG lower | Better traction, slightly higher gas cost |
👉 If you live in a warm state and don’t need AWD, FWD will save you money.
Real-World MPG
EPA numbers are tested in controlled conditions. Real driving is different.
Here’s what many drivers report:
- Rogue: Around 30–32 MPG combined in mixed driving
- RAV4: Around 28–30 MPG combined in mixed driving
Highway drivers usually see better results.
Heavy traffic lowers MPG for both.
👉 Overall, the Rogue still tends to edge ahead slightly in everyday use.
Fuel Cost Estimate (15,000 Miles Per Year)
Let’s assume gas costs $3.50 per gallon.
| Model | Combined MPG | Gallons Per Year | Estimated Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue FWD | 33 | ~455 gallons | ~$1,590 |
| RAV4 FWD | 30 | ~500 gallons | ~$1,750 |
💡 Savings:
The Rogue could save you about $150–$200 per year in fuel.
Over 5 years, that’s $750–$1,000 saved.
FAQ
Which SUV gets better gas mileage?
The Nissan Rogue usually gets slightly better MPG than the Toyota RAV4 in gas models.
Does AWD lower fuel economy?
Yes. Expect about 2–3 MPG less compared to FWD.
What about hybrid versions?
The RAV4 Hybrid gets much higher MPG (over 40 combined), but this guide compares regular gas models only.
Is 3 MPG really important?
Yes. Even small MPG differences can mean hundreds of dollars saved over several years.
Which is better for long highway drives?
Both are efficient, but the Rogue has a slight advantage on highway MPG.
🎯 Final Thoughts
If your main goal is better gas mileage in a regular gasoline compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue has a small but clear edge.
The Toyota RAV4 is still efficient and reliable — but if you want to squeeze the most miles from every gallon, the Rogue may save you more over time.
