Kia Sportage vs Nissan Rogue: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Kia Sportage vs Nissan Rogue – The 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue are two of the most popular SUVs on the market.

Both offer a comfortable ride, plenty of space, and a long list of features. But which one is right for you?

To help you decide which one suits your requirements best, we’ll conduct a comprehensive side-by-side comparison, considering factors such as price, fuel economy, features, safety, and warranty.

What is the Difference Between Kia Sportage and Nissan Rogue?

The Kia Sportage and the Nissan Rogue are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Both offer a comfortable ride, plenty of space, and a long list of features.

But, what are the main differences between the two vehicles? Here is a comparison of the two SUVs side-by-side.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue offer competitive options for buyers seeking a well-equipped compact SUV.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Price:

The 2023 Kia Sportage presents itself as an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers. The base model of the Sportage starts at an attractive price of $26,290, making it a highly competitive option in its segment.

For those looking to step up in terms of features and capabilities, the popular X-Line model is likely to begin at about $32,000. This trim level brings additional enhancements and style cues, making it an enticing mid-range option.

For buyers seeking the utmost in luxury and technology, the loaded X-Pro Prestige model will likely start at around $38,000.

With a plethora of advanced features and premium finishes, the X-Pro Prestige offers a top-tier driving experience.

Overall, the 2023 Kia Sportage has historically been recognized as a slightly lower-priced alternative to segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, making it an excellent value for its offerings.

– 2023 Nissan Rogue Price:

The 2023 Nissan Rogue is another strong contender in the compact SUV market, and its pricing reflects a competitive positioning.

The base model, known as the S trim, is priced at $28,695. For buyers looking for more features and amenities, the SV trim, starting at $30,935, provides added value.

Stepping up further, the SL trim, priced at $35,045, offers a premium driving experience with its upscale interior and advanced technologies.

At the top of the range is the Platinum trim, starting at $38,475, which boasts the highest level of luxury and convenience features.

Nissan has managed to strike a balance between pricing and features, making the 2023 Rogue a compelling option for those seeking a well-rounded compact SUV.

When comparing the pricing of the two models, the 2023 Kia Sportage clearly has a lower entry point, starting at $26,290, compared to the 2023 Nissan Rogue’s base price of $28,695.

The Sportage’s X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims may offer additional features at a more competitive price range compared to the Rogue’s higher-tier trims.

However, it’s important for buyers to carefully consider the features and specifications of each model at different price points to find the best fit for their needs and preferences.

Read also: Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4

Fuel Economy

The fuel efficiency of a vehicle is a critical factor for modern consumers, considering both environmental concerns and rising fuel costs.

The 2023 Kia Sportage delivers respectable fuel efficiency figures, especially for its class. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the Sportage achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

These figures make it a fuel-efficient option for urban driving and highway cruising. However, for buyers opting for the all-wheel-drive version, the fuel economy slightly decreases to an EPA-rated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

While the Sportage’s all-wheel-drive configuration may sacrifice a bit of fuel economy, it offers enhanced traction and stability, making it a suitable choice for those living in regions with inclement weather or rough terrain.

Actual fuel economy results during highway driving have yet to be disclosed, but further updates will be provided once testing is conducted.

While the 2023 Nissan Rogue boasts impressive fuel economy ratings, particularly with its optional turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

When equipped with front-wheel drive, the Rogue achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and an excellent 37 mpg on the highway.

These figures make the Rogue an efficient choice for city commutes and long highway journeys alike.

However, opting for the all-wheel-drive configuration slightly reduces the fuel efficiency to an EPA-rated 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Additionally, choosing the top-spec Platinum trim further reduces the highway fuel economy to 34 mpg. It’s important to note that real-world fuel economy may vary based on driving habits and conditions.

In a 75-mph highway fuel economy test conducted with the all-wheel-drive Platinum test vehicle, a slightly disappointing 31 mpg was recorded.

For more detailed information about the Rogue’s fuel economy, buyers can refer to the EPA’s official website.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Rogue takes the lead in terms of fuel efficiency, offering excellent mileage with its turbocharged three-cylinder engine, especially in highway driving.

The Sportage, while still offering respectable fuel economy figures, falls slightly behind the Rogue’s numbers, especially in the all-wheel-drive configuration. However, the decision between the two models should not solely rely on fuel economy ratings.

Other factors such as performance, features, and overall driving experience should also be considered when making a final decision.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a vehicle are crucial to understanding its size and practicality. Let’s compare the dimensions of the Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Nissan Rogue.

2023 Kia Sportage: Exterior Dimensions

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

2023 Nissan Rogue: Exterior Dimensions

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

When comparing the dimensions of the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue, we can observe some notable differences.

The Sportage is slightly longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase compared to the Rogue. However, the Rogue has a slightly taller height, providing potential benefits in terms of visibility and interior space.

In terms of cargo capacity, both models offer a comparable maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

However, with all seats in place, the Sportage offers more space with 39.6 cubic feet, whereas the Rogue provides 31.6 cubic feet, making the Sportage a more practical choice for hauling items while seating passengers.

Regarding seating dimensions, the front headroom and legroom are similar for both vehicles, but the Rogue offers a bit more rear headroom, while the Sportage provides slightly more rear legroom and rear shoulder room.

Read also: Nissan Rogue vs Lincoln Nautilus

Colors Options

The available color options for the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue play a significant role in personalizing the appearance of these compact SUVs.

Both the Kia Sportage and Rogue offer a diverse selection of exterior and interior colors, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles according to their preferences.

The Sportage presents seven eye-catching exterior colors, ranging from bold and vibrant options like Dawning Red and Jungle Green to more understated choices like Wolf Gray and Glacial White Pearl.

For the interior, buyers can choose between Sage Green and Saturn Black leatherette upholstery, providing a touch of elegance and comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also offers a wide array of exterior colors, including classic shades like Brilliant Silver Metallic and Super Black, as well as more striking options like Scarlet Ember Tintcoat and Pearl White TriCoat.

The Rogue’s two-tone options, such as Super Black/Boulder Gray Pearl and Super Black/Pearl White TriCoat, add a stylish twist to its exterior appearance. Inside the Rogue, buyers have a choice between Gray and Charcoal cloth upholstery or upgraded leatherette options in the same color choices.

Ultimately, both the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Rogue provide plenty of color options to suit various tastes and preferences.

Whether a buyer seeks a bold and vibrant appearance or a more subtle and refined look, these compact SUVs offer a range of colors to cater to diverse style preferences.

Safety Features

Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to selecting a vehicle, and both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue come equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies to enhance driver confidence and protect occupants.

The 2023 Kia Sportage incorporates an array of standard and optional safety technologies designed to keep drivers and passengers secure on the road. Key safety features of the Sportage include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: This system detects potential frontal collisions and warns the driver before automatically applying the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: The Sportage helps drivers stay within their lane by issuing alerts and providing gentle steering inputs if unintentional lane departure is detected.

• Available Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These systems provide additional assistance by detecting vehicles in the blind spots and warning the driver of approaching traffic while reversing.

The Sportage’s optional advanced features, like navigation-based adaptive cruise control and remote parking, showcase Kia’s commitment to offering innovative technologies that enhance safety and convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue comes well-equipped with a suite of standard driver-assistance features, ensuring a safe driving experience for all occupants. Key safety features of the Rogue include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This system helps avoid or reduce the severity of frontal collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians by applying the brakes automatically.

• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These safety systems aid the driver by providing alerts about vehicles in the blind spots and approaching traffic while reversing.

• Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Semi-Autonomous Driving Mode: The optional ProPilot Assist system offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing driver comfort on long journeys by helping with steering, braking, and acceleration.

It’s important to note that the ProPilot Assist system is standard on the top-tier Platinum trim and available as an option on the Rogue SL, showcasing Nissan’s commitment to making advanced safety features accessible to a wide range of buyers.

In comparison, both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue offer a comprehensive set of safety features to protect occupants and prevent potential accidents.

The Sportage emphasizes safety with its standard lane-keeping assist and optional parking features, while the Rogue impresses with its standard pedestrian detection and available semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist system.

Buyers should consider their individual safety priorities and preferences when choosing between these two well-equipped compact SUVs.

For more detailed information on the crash-test results and safety ratings of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Rogue, buyers can visit the official websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

These organizations conduct comprehensive tests to assess the safety performance of vehicles, providing valuable insights for potential buyers.

Warranty

2023 Kia Sportage Warranty:

Kia is known for its robust warranty plans, offering one of the most comprehensive packages in the industry. The 2023 Kia Sportage comes with the following warranty coverage:

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty safeguards against defects in materials or workmanship during the specified period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Kia’s powertrain warranty provides an impressive 10-year or 100,000-mile coverage, demonstrating Kia’s confidence in the reliability and durability of its powertrain components.

• Complimentary Maintenance: While the Sportage’s warranty package is exceptional, it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance. This is a minor drawback compared to some competitors, such as Toyota and Hyundai, which offer complimentary maintenance plans for a limited period.

2023 Nissan Rogue Warranty:

Nissan’s standard warranty coverage for the 2023 Rogue is more basic compared to Kia’s comprehensive package. The warranty coverage for the Rogue includes:

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, providing protection against manufacturing defects during this period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Nissan offers a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which covers the essential components of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.

• Complimentary Maintenance: Similar to Sportage, the Nissan Rogue does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, which may be available from some of its competitors.

In comparison, the 2023 Kia Sportage excels in terms of warranty coverage, boasting one of the best warranty plans in the automotive industry.

With a five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty and an impressive 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, Kia demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction and confidence in the reliability of their vehicles.

However, it is worth noting that the Sportage lacks complimentary scheduled maintenance, a feature offered by some competitors.

On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Rogue offers a more basic warranty package. While its limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, which is standard in the industry, its powertrain warranty matches the Sportage’s coverage of five years or 60,000 miles.

However, like the Sportage, the Rogue does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Read also: Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-30

Specifications

The specifications of a vehicle provide valuable insights into its performance capabilities and technical features. Let’s compare the specifications of the 2023 Kia Sportage vs Nissan Rogue.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Specs:

– 2023 Nissan Rogue Specs:

In comparison, the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue offer different engine options, each catering to specific performance and efficiency requirements.

The Kia Sportage is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, generating 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

It features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels with its all-wheel-drive configuration.

The Sportage’s power output is sufficient for daily driving and provides a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 lbs., making it suitable for light towing needs.

On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Rogue comes with a smaller 1.5-liter inline-3 engine, producing 201 horsepower and an impressive 225 lb-ft of torque.

It is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

The Rogue’s higher torque output and power allow for more spirited acceleration and confident passing maneuvers.

However, its maximum towing capacity is slightly lower at 1,500 lbs., making it ideal for smaller trailers or hauling needs.

Both vehicles feature double overhead cam (DOHC) camshafts with variable valve timing, ensuring efficient performance and improved fuel economy.

The Nissan Rogue comes standard with direct injection, contributing to its higher horsepower and torque figures.

Pros and Cons

2023 Kia Sportage Pros:

• Stylish, Quiet, and High-Tech Interior: The Sportage boasts a well-designed and modern interior with quality materials, providing a comfortable and upscale driving experience. Its quiet cabin enhances the overall comfort for both driver and passengers.

• Roomy Seating and Huge Cargo Area: The Sportage offers generous space for occupants, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. Additionally, its expansive cargo area provides ample room for luggage and gear, making it practical for daily errands and long trips.

• Added Off-Road Capability with X-Pro Trim: For buyers seeking a bit of off-road adventure, the Sportage’s X-Pro trim offers enhanced capability, allowing for more rugged excursions beyond typical urban driving.

Cons:

• Standard Engine Supplies Leisurely Acceleration: The base engine’s performance may be underwhelming for some buyers who prefer quicker acceleration and more responsive power delivery.

• Subpar Fuel Economy from This Engine Too: Along with leisurely acceleration, the standard engine’s fuel efficiency may fall short of the expectations set by some of its competitors.

2023 Nissan Rogue Pros:

• Lots of Features for the Money: The Rogue offers a wide array of features and technologies, providing excellent value for buyers seeking a well-equipped compact SUV.

• Comfortable Front Seats: The Rogue’s front seats are designed with comfort in mind, making long drives more enjoyable for the driver and front passengers.

• Large and Versatile Cargo Area: Similar to Sportage, the Rogue provides a spacious cargo area, making it suitable for carrying a variety of items and accommodating various lifestyle needs.

• Advanced Driver Aids are Intuitive and Easy to Use: Nissan’s driver-assistance features are user-friendly and intuitive, enhancing safety and convenience during daily driving.

Cons:

• Elevated Wind and Road Noise at Highway Speeds: Some drivers may notice increased wind and road noise at higher speeds, potentially impacting cabin comfort during long highway journeys.

• Smaller Back Seat than Some Competitors: While the Rogue offers a roomy front cabin, the rear seat area may be slightly smaller than some competitors, affecting rear passenger comfort.

• Transmission Can Be Slow to Respond When You Need Quick Power: The Rogue’s transmission may exhibit a delayed response when quick acceleration is required, potentially affecting driving dynamics in certain situations.

Conclusion

Both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Nissan Rogue have their strengths and weaknesses. The Sportage impresses with its stylish interior, spacious seating, and significant cargo capacity.

However, the standard engine’s performance and fuel economy might be a concern for those seeking more spirited driving and better efficiency.

The Nissan Rogue offers excellent value with its abundant features, comfortable front seats, and versatile cargo area.

While some drivers may notice increased noise at highway speeds and the rear seat may be smaller compared to some rivals, the Rogue’s user-friendly driver aids enhance safety and convenience.

Ultimately, buyers should consider their priorities and preferences when choosing between these two capable compact SUVs.

A test drive and a thorough evaluation of individual needs will help determine which model better aligns with their lifestyle and driving requirements.

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