2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome new styling that emphasized a more technical appearance, making it look more like an SUV than a car. Its dark gray plastic cladding on the lower perimeter, combined with bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection, conveyed a rugged persona, though sometimes too audaciously on the rear bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions gave the new Rogue a modern aesthetic. Aluminum wheels sized up to 19 inches were standard across all trim levels, and the optional two-tone paint with a black roof transformed the SUV into a more custom-looking vehicle.

Four versions of the Rogue were available: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, with prices starting from $25,650 up to $35,430 (excluding the $1,095 destination charge). Optional add-ons included all-wheel drive for $1,400 and premium packages for the SV and SL trims.

The interior of the Rogue SL test vehicle, featuring Almond-colored leather and a panoramic sunroof, felt light-filled and roomy. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars enhanced the quality feel of the cabin. Nissan arranged the controls logically, and the Platinum trim added luxurious touches like semi-aniline quilted leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. While the climate control panel's retro digital clock-like numbers and the presence of a CD player suggested a throwback to older technology, wireless Apple CarPlay assured that the Rogue stayed up-to-date.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage's design had some controversial elements. While Kia's tiger-nose grille worked on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it perhaps didn’t complement the Sportage's aesthetic. The oversized headlights and chrome trim grin between the bumper's squared-off cheeks made the grille appear like a fake mustache at a Halloween party. However, every other design detail was on point. The four-dot running light signature was reminiscent of the Porsche Macan, and the back door's Volkswagen-style symmetry gave the vehicle an undeniably stylish look. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added proper proportions and a planted stance.

Inside, the Sportage featured Germanic design cues. A black dashboard with metallic accents, white on black instrumentation, and metal pedal covers on the SX Turbo conveyed a high-end feel. The SUV offered black, gray, and beige interior color choices for a rich, high-contrast look. Buttons and knobs dominated the controls, making it straightforward to adjust the stereo, climate settings, and infotainment menus. Despite not being as modern as some competitors, the system felt upscale and well-executed.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's performance left something to be desired, largely due to its single engine offering: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 181 hp at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This output was adequate for daily driving but not for more spirited driving or off-road adventures. The Rogue’s CVT did a decent job of utilizing the available torque, with programmed ratios simulating a traditional automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available, though not particularly enticing to use.

For adventure enthusiasts, the Rogue offered AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes. However, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine felt underpowered in mountainous terrains. Nissan hinted at a future turbocharged version, potentially using the same 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine found in the Altima and Infiniti QX50.

Fuel economy-wise, the tested Rogue SL with FWD achieved 27.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop, falling short of its EPA rating by 1.5 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling benefitted from its robust architecture composed of 35% high-strength steel, a strut front, and multi-link rear suspension. Advanced systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, along with new Vehicle Motion Control, further enhanced the driving experience. The redesigned steering setup, moving the electric assist from the steering column to the steering rack and quickening the ratio, resulted in significantly improved steering feel.

On the other hand, the 2022 Kia Sportage came with two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder provided 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Although competitive, it was unremarkable. The SX Turbo variant boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, delivering a much punchier performance. The turbocharged engine’s low-end torque, available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, could surprise drivers with its sudden surge of power. Switching to Sport mode made the SUV feel eager and almost frenetic.

Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the optional AWD system included a locking center differential for balanced power distribution at low speeds. The SX Turbo’s upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels, and high-performance dampers contributed to a sophisticated driving character. The ride was smooth and compliant, with only a hint of body roll. However, the steering lacked sharpness, and the tires could have offered better grip. Overall, while fun to drive, the Sportage SX Turbo wasn’t as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue aimed to replicate the weightlessness comfort of outer space with its Zero Gravity seat designs. While the effectiveness varied, these seats were certainly comfortable, especially the improved versions in the new Rogue. Lower trims featured cloth upholstery, with power adjustments and leatherette seating becoming available at higher trim levels. The SL trim included leather, while the Platinum trim offered premium leather.

Interior comfort was bolstered by heated seats (front and rear), a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone (or triple-zone) automatic climate control. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were generous, and the rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees for easy passenger loading. The SUV was also child-friendly, with LATCH anchors accommodating up to three child safety seats.

The 2021 Rogue had numerous storage spaces, including a center console tray freed by the electronic shifter and door-panel pockets fitting 32-ounce bottles. Cargo capacity in the Rogue ranged from 31.6 cubic feet for the S and SV trims to 36.5 cubic feet for the SL and Platinum models, expanding to a generous 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Conversely, the 2022 Kia Sportage offered roomy passenger accommodation despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment. The front seats in the SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather with contrast stitching and piping, and both front seats came with power adjustments. Front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel was standard.

Rear-seat comfort was also notable, with ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the rear doors’ wide frames could pose a hazard when opened carelessly. Storage was plentiful within the cabin, but the cargo space lagged behind competitors. With the seats folded down, the Sportage offered 60.1 cubic feet, while the space behind the rear seats was 30.7 cubic feet.

Kia's smart liftgate technology, standard on higher trims, allowed hands-free opening when you stood near the back of the vehicle, although it could be turned off if desired.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue boasted a solid infotainment system. The base S trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Moving up to SV and SL trims added NissanConnect Services with a WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim introduced a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system.

The Rogue's system featured knobs for volume and tuning, although they were small and hard to grasp. Shortcut buttons made navigation easy, and the voice recognition system worked accurately. Platinum trim also brought advanced features like wireless charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

In comparison, the 2022 Kia Sportage came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims also included UVO Link connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging (on the SX Turbo), and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Sportage's system was user-friendly with physical knobs for volume and tuning, logical onscreen menus, and easy steering wheel controls.

However, the UVO Link system’s 8-inch screen felt small, lacked a WiFi hotspot, and had inconsistent voice recognition technology. Smartphone integration was wired rather than wireless, indicating that the system was behind the times in some areas.

Nissan prioritized safety for the 2021 Rogue, equipping it with a comprehensive package under the Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. Notably, the Rogue came with ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, a rear-seat reminder system, and pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelts. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist with lane-centering, a surround-view camera, and an airbag between the driver and front passenger.

Although crash-test results were unavailable at the time, the extensive use of high-strength steel suggested strong structural integrity.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and a driver monitoring system. Blind-spot warning required moving beyond the base trim or selecting the LX Value Edition Package. The SX Turbo featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

According to NHTSA and IIHS ratings, the Sportage was considered a safe SUV. However, only the SX Turbo’s headlights earned an Acceptable rating, making it the sole variant eligible for IIHS Top Safety Pick status.