2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia Seltos

2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Seltos
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue is 9.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia Seltos scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the final recommendation leans towards the 2021 Nissan Rogue. While the Seltos offers commendable interior space, advanced technology, and robust safety ratings, the Rogue wins with superior comfort, comprehensive safety features, refined aesthetics, and a more advanced tech suite, making it the better choice for most drivers. Its balance of form, function, and technology positions it as the superior vehicle in this comparison.

Choose the 2021 Nissan Rogue if:

9of 10overall
  • You value a comprehensive suite of standard and advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring in its base model.
  • A spacious, high-quality interior with generous cargo space and luxurious touches is your priority.
  • You seek a modern design with upscale features, including a panoramic sunroof and high-strength steel architecture for enhanced safety.

Choose the 2022 Kia Seltos if:

7.5of 10overall
  • You desire a compact SUV with substantial interior space and superior passenger comfort, especially in the back seat.
  • High-end technology and infotainment systems, paired with a robust turbocharged engine, are essential to your driving experience.
  • You prefer a more affordable option with advanced safety features and top-notch crashworthiness ratings in higher trims.
Overview

MSRP

$26,050

MSRP

$22,590

Average price

$22,915

Average price

$20,953

Listings

4288

Listings

512
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Noisy

2021 Nissan Rogue Reviews Summary

To characterize the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue as vital to the automaker's success is an understatement. Not only is the compact crossover SUV the best-selling Nissan in America, but it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Strip out pickup trucks, and the Rogue sits near the top of the U.S. sales chart with its primary competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Imagine the pressure on Nissan designers, engineers, and product planners as they prepared the current Rogue's replacement! The good news is that the new Rogue is a better SUV in every way but one.

2022 Kia Seltos Reviews Summary

Here’s a fun fact: the Kia Seltos is named after Celtos, the mythological son of the Greek god Hercules. Swap that ‘C’ for an ‘S’, which reportedly stands for speed and sportiness, and you’ve got Seltos. Since speed and sportiness are in short supply here, we’ll say the ‘S’ is for SUV. Now in its sophomore model year, the 2022 Seltos adds a new Nightfall Edition with blacked-out trim. Kia also expands the availability of its driver-assist and collision avoidance systems and its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more trim levels for 2022.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 181 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 146 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

35

MPG Highway

31
2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Seltos
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Rogue
$26,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue is 9.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia Seltos scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the final recommendation leans towards the 2021 Nissan Rogue. While the Seltos offers commendable interior space, advanced technology, and robust safety ratings, the Rogue wins with superior comfort, comprehensive safety features, refined aesthetics, and a more advanced tech suite, making it the better choice for most drivers. Its balance of form, function, and technology positions it as the superior vehicle in this comparison.

Choose the 2021 Nissan Rogue if:

Shop Now
9of 10overall
  • You value a comprehensive suite of standard and advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring in its base model.
  • A spacious, high-quality interior with generous cargo space and luxurious touches is your priority.
  • You seek a modern design with upscale features, including a panoramic sunroof and high-strength steel architecture for enhanced safety.

Choose the 2022 Kia Seltos if:

Shop Now
7.5of 10overall
  • You desire a compact SUV with substantial interior space and superior passenger comfort, especially in the back seat.
  • High-end technology and infotainment systems, paired with a robust turbocharged engine, are essential to your driving experience.
  • You prefer a more affordable option with advanced safety features and top-notch crashworthiness ratings in higher trims.
Overview
MSRP
$26,050
$22,590
Average price
$22,915
$20,953
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.7
Expert reviews

9.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Noisy
Summary
To characterize the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue as vital to the automaker's success is an understatement. Not only is the compact crossover SUV the best-selling Nissan in America, but it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Strip out pickup trucks, and the Rogue sits near the top of the U.S. sales chart with its primary competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Imagine the pressure on Nissan designers, engineers, and product planners as they prepared the current Rogue's replacement! The good news is that the new Rogue is a better SUV in every way but one.
Here’s a fun fact: the Kia Seltos is named after Celtos, the mythological son of the Greek god Hercules. Swap that ‘C’ for an ‘S’, which reportedly stands for speed and sportiness, and you’ve got Seltos. Since speed and sportiness are in short supply here, we’ll say the ‘S’ is for SUV. Now in its sophomore model year, the 2022 Seltos adds a new Nightfall Edition with blacked-out trim. Kia also expands the availability of its driver-assist and collision avoidance systems and its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more trim levels for 2022.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 181 hp I4
2.0L 146 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
27
27
MPG Highway
35
31
Look and feel
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Kia Seltos
7/10

In 2021, the Nissan Rogue glistened with polished, eye-catching new styling that exuded a more technical and SUV-like appearance compared to its predecessors. The body was adorned with dark gray plastic cladding along the lower perimeter, supported by bold simulated skid plates and lower door protection that added a sense of ruggedness, particularly pronounced on the SUV's rear bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-balanced proportions lent a modern aesthetic to the Rogue. All trim levels were enhanced with aluminum wheels, up to 19 inches in diameter, and the available two-tone paint with a black roof treatment gave the vehicle a custom look.

Nissan offered four versions of the 2021 Rogue: the entry-level Rogue S priced at $25,650, the mid-tier Rogue SV at $27,340, the more luxurious Rogue SL at $32,000, and the top-of-the-line Rogue Platinum at $35,430, each price demanding an additional $1,095 destination charge. Optional all-wheel drive was available for an extra $1,400. Premium packages added further enhancements: $2,660 for the SV and $1,320 for the SL. Our test Rogue SL included the Premium Package, extra-cost paint, floor mats, and a cargo area protection package, reaching a total cost of $35,195, including the destination charge.

The interior of our test Rogue SL, featuring Almond color leather and a standard panoramic glass sunroof, was bright and roomy. The cabin showcased abundant soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, emphasizing a high sense of quality. Controls were logically arranged, and the Platinum trim offered the pinnacle of luxury with quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Despite some nostalgia evoked by the 1980s-style digital clock numbers on the climate control panel and the inclusion of a CD player, the Rogue was equipped with the latest technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay.

The 2022 Kia Seltos, positioned snugly between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, manifested itself with five available trims: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Opposite to the Rogue, the Seltos began at a lower price range of $22,590 to $28,080, not accounting for the $1,255 destination charge. Our review unit was the Nightfall Edition, showcased with matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails. Equipped with a turbocharged engine and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), this model was priced at $28,045, destination charge included.

Though the Seltos was appealing, the horizontal running lights placed atop the headlights were not the most flattering. However, the Nightfall Edition's wheels, despite their intricate design, faded due to their finish, though the matte finish was a saving grace. Inside, the Seltos displayed style with contrast-color dashboard panels, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents, albeit let down by overuse of hard and shiny plastics. The interior's build quality was commendable and the controls were logically arrayed, with matte-black buttons clearly marked.

Performance
2021 Nissan Rogue
8/10
2022 Kia Seltos
6/10

When it came to performance, the 2021 Nissan Rogue carried a sense of being underpowered. Weighed down at nearly 3,500 pounds, it relied solely on a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. Though sufficient for everyday driving, the output left something to be desired. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed sufficiently, featuring programmed ratios to emulate a traditional automatic transmission, with paddle shifters provided though rarely used.

With available AWD, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, the Rogue proved capable for light off-road adventures. However, its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine felt drained of energy when taken into mountainous regions. Despite a good ride and handling quality established by a new, more robust architecture featuring 35% high-strength steel, brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control, and Active Ride Control systems, the engine simply fell short in performance expectations. Fuel economy with FWD clocked in at 27.5 mpg on varied road types, slightly missing the EPA rating.

The 2022 Kia Seltos, with its LX, S, and EX trims, offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque coupled with a CVT. AWD was standard on LX and EX trims while optional on S. However, the Nightfall Edition and SX trims housed the more gratifying turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Despite the seven-speed DCT's quirks, including hesitations common with DCTs, it was preferable to the CVT.

Driving dynamics offered multiple modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter attempting to balance efficiency and responsiveness but sometimes falling behind in changing driving situations. The EPA rated the Nightfall Edition at 27 mpg combined, which it easily achieved.

With 7.3 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos fared well for light off-roading and snowy conditions, though it wasn't suited for rugged terrains. During testing, its suspension proved less capable, handling speed humps and bumps poorly at speeds over 20 mph and clearly transmitting pavement imperfections into the cabin. The driving experience revealed lateral rocking and a bouncy feel on uneven roads. While maneuverable in urban environments, the Seltos struggled with confidence-destroying weight toss on dynamically challenging terrains.

Form and function
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Kia Seltos
8/10

Nissan's 2021 Rogue was designed to optimize comfort and functionality. It featured the Zero Gravity seats, enhancing driver and passenger comfort. In contrast to previous models, the improved seats felt more supportive. The S trim wrapped these seats in cloth with manual adjustments, while the SV offered power adjustments and leatherette upholstery as an option. The SL came with standard leather, and the top-tier Platinum boasted premium soft leather.

The Rogue facilitated temperature control with dual-zone automatic climate control in SV trim and a triple-zone setup in SL and Platinum. Rear passengers enjoyed additional amenities like air conditioning vents and side window sunshades. The rear seat provided plentiful headroom and legroom, accessible through doors that opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to load passengers and placing up to three child safety seats.

Cargo space was substantial, although slightly reduced from older models. The Rogue S and SV offered 31.6 cubic feet, while the SL and Platinum with the Divide-N-Hide system provided up to 36.5 cubic feet. With the rear seat folded, the space expanded to 74.1 cubic feet, positioning the Rogue as one of the most generous in its class.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Seltos excelled in form and function with a spacious interior, a boon for daily usability. It featured a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, with the front seat providing adequate leg support. Trimmed in cloth with Sofino leatherette bolsters, the Nightfall Edition included heated front seats and single-zone automatic climate control.

Rear passengers enjoyed ample space, complete with rear air conditioning vents, USB charging, and a center armrest with cupholders. The cargo room was practical, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, extendable to 62.8 cubic feet when folded.

Technology
2021 Nissan Rogue
10/10
2022 Kia Seltos
7/10

Nissan's 2021 Rogue catered to tech-savvy users with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in its S trim that included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system incorporated knobs for volume/power and tuning, though their slim design and glossy finish could impede usability.

Stepping up to SV and SL trims added features like NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration, offering remote engine start, automatic collision notification, speed alerts, and vehicle location tracking. The SL Premium Package and the top Platinum trim included a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, upgraded voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The Platinum trim also boasted wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

For 2022, Kia expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the S trim as an option and made it standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. The system, paired with a Bose premium sound system in SX trim, allowed Bluetooth pairing for two devices, navigation, connected services, and satellite radio. While the standard 8-inch system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 10.25-inch system required a wired connection.

Despite its comprehensive features, the Seltos’ system had its quirks, such as an odd purple theme color and limited voice recognition capabilities. The absence of a native conversational voice recognition system made reliance on smartphone assistants like Siri or Google Assistant necessary.

Safety
2021 Nissan Rogue
9/10
2022 Kia Seltos
9/10

Safety in the 2021 Nissan Rogue was paramount, furnished with an extensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), packaged under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning, singularly opting for blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert over the more commonly included adaptive cruise control.

Ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and innovative rear pre-tensioning and load-limiting seatbelts bolstered the Rogue’s safety credentials. Starting from the SV trim, the vehicle included an improved ProPilot Assist with lane-centering and an upgraded ProPilot Assist with Navi-link at higher trims.

Earlier crash-test results were unavailable, yet Nissan’s use of high-strength steel and enhanced engineering for crash energy deflection indicated a promising safety outlook.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was similarly fortified with numerous driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. A standard Rear Occupant Alert system prompted drivers to check the back seat before exiting.

The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX came with adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim due to superior headlight performance and top marks in crashworthiness. The NHTSA awarded it an overall rating of four stars, lacking only in the front-passenger frontal-impact crash.

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