2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was a standout in terms of value, offering a luxurious feel that belied its price tag. Once inside, the quality of materials and the sophisticated design elements, such as the bridge-style center console and digital instrumentation panel, made it feel more expensive than it was. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded an air of opulence with its premium leather and panoramic sunroof, making it seem like a pricing error in favor of the consumer. However, the exterior design was polarizing, with Hyundai's "parametric dynamics" design cues creating a unique but somewhat discordant appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue maintained a mature and refined exterior design, consistent with its 2021 redesign. The Rogue's styling was in line with other Nissan models, featuring a V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. Inside, the Rogue offered a sophisticated and detailed cabin with a layered dash and ample storage options. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the spacious second row accommodated passengers with ease. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model, which showcased high-quality materials and a well-executed design.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, and a 226-horsepower hybrid system. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided a quick and robust driving experience, with impressive body control and athletic handling. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was commendable, with both powertrains achieving 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. This engine, combined with a new CVT, enhanced the Rogue's performance, offering a more responsive and lively driving experience. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the steering offered good feedback.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with dual-zone climate control and stain-resistant fabric in lower trims. The Calligraphy trim elevated the experience with Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The rear seat offered ample legroom and comfort, with features like air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The Santa Fe's cargo space was practical, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments for passengers' belongings. The rear seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it highly practical for various needs.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 8-inch screen, with wired versions on the 10.25-inch screen. Blue Link connected services were free for three years, providing a range of features, though a WiFi hotspot was absent. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its tech upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating navigation for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed easy access to both front and rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist offered Level 2 driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in traffic and on highways. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2021 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.