2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Nissan Rogue showcased a bold, technical appearance, looking more like an SUV than a mere car. Its exterior featured dark gray plastic cladding, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection, giving it an audacious ruggedness, especially around the back bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned dimensions provided the Rogue with a modern aesthetic. The Rogue could also be customized with optional two-tone paint featuring a black roof treatment to lend a unique look.

Four versions of the new Rogue were available: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, ranging from $25,650 to $35,430, plus $1,095 in destination charges. Optional all-wheel drive cost an extra $1,400, and premium packages for SV and SL trims added to the vehicle’s luxury and convenience. Our test Rogue SL came with Premium Package and additional features, totaling $35,195, including destination.

Inside, the Rogue's interior, featuring an Almond color leather interior and a panoramic sunroof, emphasized roominess and light. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and logically arranged controls gave the cabin a quality feel. The Platinum trim offered the utmost luxury with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Though the numbers on the climate control panel were reminiscent of an old-school digital clock, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay indicated modern technology infusion.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with value and quality. Despite its affordability, the Santa Fe's appearance and feel suggested it should cost more. The SUV lineup included two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. The gasoline models’ trim levels—SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy—and hybrids' Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited trim options offered a wide range.

Pricing from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP; all-wheel drive cost $1,700 for gas models but was standard in hybrids. The exterior changes for 2021 included redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, with each trim level sporting different wheel, grille, and headlight combinations for unique characters.

Inside, new colors, patterns, and textures upgraded the Santa Fe to an upmarket feel. A bridge-style center console with storage underneath housed electronic transmission controls, drivetrain settings, climate switchgear, and stereo controls. Our test Santa Fe Calligraphy had Stormy Sea paint, black premium leather, plus AWD and 19-inch wheels, culminating in a price of $43,590. The impeccable fit and finish lent an aura of understated luxury, reinforced by amenities like a panoramic glass sunroof.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, was adequate for daily driving but lacked power under more demanding conditions. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), though unobtrusive, worked efficiently to maximize available torque. The Rogue offered all-wheel drive with up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its capability for off-road adventures, assisted by new Snow and Off-Road driving modes.

Predictions about a future turbocharged Rogue were sparked by discussions with Nissan, hinting at potentially using the variable-compression 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Altima sedan and Infiniti QX50. Until then, sporty and economical driving modes— Sport and Eco—tweaked the vehicle's driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. The tested front-drive Rogue SL achieved an average of 27.5 mpg, slightly short of the EPA rating.

The Rogue’s ride was smooth, predictable, and athletic, thanks to a robust architecture with high-strength steel, strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and various systems designed to enhance ride quality and handling. Notable improvements to the steering, including relocating the electric assist to the steering rack and quickening the ratio, offered significant enhancements to the driving experience compared to the previous generation.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe came with three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims had a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Santa Fe Hybrids used a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder combined with an electric drive motor and a six-speed automatic, producing a total output of 226 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque from the motor, available instantly.

The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the Hyundai Sonata N Line sedan, achieving 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission for quick, seamless shifts. The vehicle's driving experience was enhanced by Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, although Smart mode prioritized fuel efficiency, impacting shift responsiveness.

Remarkably quick and refined, the Santa Fe provided a pleasant ride with improved structural rigidity, better brakes, and athletic handling. The EPA rated both the turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines at 24 mpg for combined driving; the test achieved 22.4 mpg on a typical driving loop.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue aimed to offer supreme comfort with its updated Zero Gravity seat designs. Initially perceived as small in the previous generation, the new seats in the 2021 model were more fitting and available in cloth, leatherette, and premium leather options across trims. Heated seats and steering wheel options improved comfort, though ventilated seats were surprisingly absent despite Nashville’s hot climate.

All trims included rear air conditioning vents, with higher trims boasting triple-zone systems. The spacious rear seat accommodated adults and children comfortably, with nearly 90-degree door openings facilitating easy access. Three child safety seats could be fitted, with a standard rear-seat reminder system adding to family safety.

Storage innovations included a new under-console tray, generous door-panel storage, and a split butterfly-opening center armrest. Rear cargo space offered 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet, and maximum cargo volume reached 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down—competitive within the segment. The Divide-N-Hide cargo system in SL and Platinum trims enhanced utility, aided by bins accommodating one-gallon jugs.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe delivered impressive comfort and luxury. All trims had dual-zone automatic climate control and, for higher trims, upgraded materials that included stain-resistant fabrics and premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim. The plush interior boasted an eight-way power driver’s seat and, in higher trims, an optional power front passenger seat. Ventilated and heated seats added luxury, remotely operational via a smartphone app.

Rear seat comfort in the Calligraphy trim was exceptional, complete with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The rear bench seat slid fore and aft to optimize passenger or cargo space as needed. Hyundai’s “smart” hands-free power liftgate, though convenient, had quirks, such as opening unexpectedly while standing near the back.

Behind the liftgate, cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet, less than some compact crossovers but practical for long family trips. Folding the rear seats down expanded the space to 72.1 cubic feet, aligning with the largest compact crossovers despite lacking compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system spanned across an 8-inch touchscreen in the base S trim, scaling up to a 9-inch display in higher trims like SL Premium and Platinum, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Nissan Concierge. Physical controls included shallow knobs and glossy shortcut buttons for easier navigation. Higher trims introduced a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, voice recognition, and Bose premium audio.

For top trims like Platinum, additional technology included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and wireless smartphone charging. These technological enhancements catered to a seamless and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy trim offered robust technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.5-inch head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. Infotainment options included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 8-inch screen, or an upgraded 10.25-inch display requiring wired connections but offering enhanced voice recognition and Blue Link services.

Blue Link provided a myriad of connected services free for three years, including remote engine start, Amazon Alexa, and geofence alerts. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the larger screen. However, the notable absence of a WiFi hotspot might be a disadvantage, balanced by features like Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Safety was a significant focus in the 2021 Rogue, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 including features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Crucially, the system included blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert starting from the base trim. The Rogue also had ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system, with added rear pre-tensioning seatbelts in Platinum trim.

Adaptive cruise control with ProPilot Assist, standard from the SV trim, further enhanced driving assistance. The upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, available in SL and Platinum trims, utilized map data for sophisticated speed adjustments.

The 2021 Santa Fe’s Calligraphy trim was loaded with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist warned passengers of approaching vehicles or cyclists and could override attempts to open doors using child locks. The higher trims offered ultrasonic rear-occupant alert, detecting in-car movement for up to 24 hours.

Blind-Spot View Monitor, displaying side camera footage during turn signaling, and Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane following, added to the comprehensive safety package. The IIHS rated the Santa Fe as a “Top Safety Pick” with Limited and Calligraphy trims, indicating high standards of crashworthiness.