2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, provided a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior and interior design receiving high praise. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some inexpensive-looking plastic, the Telluride's overall look and feel were impressive.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to build on its mature and sophisticated styling. The exterior featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims included LED fog lamps and active grille shutters to improve airflow. The interior boasted a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, depending on the trim level. The center console featured an electronic gear selector lever, freeing up space for storage beneath it. The 9-inch center infotainment display was positioned near the driver’s eye line, and the instrument panel offered either a 7-inch center display or a full 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims.

The Rogue's cabin was equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats, providing comfort and support. The second row offered ample legroom and space for two adults or three in a pinch. Fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, with high-quality materials throughout.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Telluride excelled in various driving conditions, from muddy trails to snowy roads, demonstrating its versatility.

During testing in Los Angeles and the mountains near Malibu, the Telluride impressed with its ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” The suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear design, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds while softening up at higher velocities. The self-leveling rear suspension in EX and SX trims ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride’s 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and the brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology enhanced its performance on twisty roads. The AWD Telluride achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, adjusting the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The new engine improved the Rogue’s performance, making it more responsive and lively. The Rogue’s fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The Rogue’s new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension handled the new engine’s power well, delivering a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering provided good feel, and the 35.4-foot turning diameter was tight and maneuverable.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim’s driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar support and a thigh support extension. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, with the front passenger seat offering 8-way power adjustment. The Prestige package’s leather upholstery featured a distinctive pattern, and acoustic sound-absorbing glass helped reduce noise. The second-row captain’s chairs, included in the Prestige package, were also heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel.

The Telluride’s third-row seat was usable by adults, though not as spacious as some competitors. Access to the third row was easy, thanks to a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. Storage options were plentiful, with smartphone bins, door trays, and seatback pockets. The “smart” hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row down increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity was 87 cubic feet.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered numerous storage options in the front cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the center console, and dash cubbies. USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets were available, along with a wireless charging pad. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports.

The Rogue’s second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, depending on the configuration. Folding the second row flat expanded the cargo capacity to 74.1 cubic feet, making the Rogue a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like 911 Connect and Rear Occupant Alert. Additional plans provided remote engine start, climate control operation, and more, though a WiFi hotspot was not available.

The Telluride’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons, stereo knobs, and intuitive touchscreen operation. The voice-recognition system was decent, though not perfect. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, but the sound quality was only average. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard on EX and SX trims, enhancing communication and comfort. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s 2021 makeover included significant technology upgrades, which carried over to the 2022 model. Upper trim levels featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims.

ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system used navigation data to adjust speed proactively, enhancing safety and convenience. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, making it more convenient for families.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with the Drive Wise collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2020 calendar year, though this may not continue for 2021 due to Poor-rated headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Telluride a 5-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results for both the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trim levels. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. Available safety features included blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition.

ProPilot Assist, available on the Rogue, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities. The enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added navigation integration for predictive speed control. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.