2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue received a significant facelift, presenting a more rugged SUV appeal with a technical appearance. Dark gray plastic cladding enveloped the lower perimeter, accompanied by bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection, adding a robust yet stylish feel. The SUV also featured clean LED lighting elements, a pronounced V-Motion grille, and aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter. Optional two-tone paint with a black roof added a custom touch, enhancing its modern aesthetic. The Rogue came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and the lavishly furnished Platinum, with prices starting at $25,650 and moving up to $35,430, plus destination charges.

Interior-wise, the tested Rogue SL highlighted an Almond leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, making the cabin airy and spacious. Its refined cabin materials, including soft-touch surfaces and simulated wood trim, delivered a sense of quality. The higher Platinum trim boasted quilted semi-aniline leather and ambient lighting for a truly luxurious feel. Of note, the climate control’s display resembled an old-school digital clock from the 1980s, giving it a nostalgic touch amid modern tech.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's look didn't earn much praise. Priced at $34,095, it offered side steps and a different aesthetic but lacked significant off-road enhancements to justify its rugged appearance. The test vehicle’s Portofino Gray exterior paired with a black cloth interior provided minimal visual contrast, akin to a black-and-white photograph under an overcast sky. While the cabin materials and pattern work were commendable, they didn't reach the upscale feel of higher Limited or Calligraphy trims.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, at about 3,500 pounds, was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a CVT, the engine provided adequate daily performance but lacked excitement. The all-wheel drive version offered up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance and featured Snow and Off-Road driving modes for light adventuring. Despite this, the normally aspirated engine struggled in mountainous terrains, and during testing, the front-drive Rogue SL achieved 27.5 mpg, just shy of its EPA rating.

Engineered with a new, more robust architecture comprising 35% high-strength steel, the Rogue’s suspension system and new Vehicle Motion Control significantly improved ride comfort and handling. The standout feature was its revised steering system, relocated electric assist, and a quicker ratio, translating to an excellent driving experience compared to its predecessor.

Comparatively, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT housed a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. While this engine sufficed for typical driving, it lacked the vigor for rapid acceleration and struggled on inclines. For more power, trims like Limited or Calligraphy offered a turbocharged option with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth operation, and the availability of Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow modes provided versatility. Despite these modes, the XRT’s performance didn’t inspire confidence in more demanding driving situations.

Our testing returned an average of 22.3 mpg against an EPA rating of 24 mpg, suggesting better mileage could be found with the turbocharged or hybrid options, the latter delivering up to 34 mpg combined. The Santa Fe’s ride quality excelled in comfort and quietness, with its refined suspension effectively dampening road imperfections. However, the XRT’s supposed off-road enhancements didn’t receive testing validation but were likely competent based on past experiences.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sought to enhance passenger comfort with its new Zero Gravity seats available across trims, from cloth in S to premium leather in Platinum. The seating comfort was further elevated by available heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and optional rear seat heating, although no ventilated seats were offered. With improved headroom and legroom, the rear seat accommodated passengers comfortably and easily accessed with nearly 90-degree-opening doors. The Rogue offered ample storage solutions, with additional space under the center console thanks to the electronic shifter and well-sized door pockets.

Cargo-wise, the Rogue displayed 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats in S and SV trims, up to 36.5 cubic feet in SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system, and 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's interior space received praise for its dual-zone automatic climate control and durable, stain-resistant fabric on the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Nevertheless, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat was a notable omission. The rear-seat area boasted generous space, accommodating child seats effortlessly and providing comfort with rear air vents and USB ports.

In terms of cargo space, the Santa Fe XRT offered 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly more than the Rogue, and expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, facilitated by a clever power-opening Smart Tailgate feature.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue provided an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims included NissanConnect Services, integrating Alexa and Google Assistant, and upgraded to a 9-inch display with navigation and a Bose audio system in the SL Premium Package or Platinum trim. The Platinum trim also added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and heads-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluelink connected services offered remote start and other conveniences for three years. The infotainment system was user-friendly with large knobs and logical menus but lacked the upgraded features available in higher trims.

Nissan's 2021 Rogue prioritized safety with the comprehensive Safety Shield 360 suite, including ten airbags, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The ProPilot Assist provided lane-centering and adaptive cruise control starting from the SV trim, and the Platinum added an airbag between the front seats. While crash test results were pending, the Rogue’s enhanced structure and safety components showed promise.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT excelled in safety, verified by its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and five-star NHTSA ratings. Hyundai SmartSense included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Unique features like Junction Turning Detection and Safe Exit Assist added layers of safety, enhanced by Bluelink’s connected services.