2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment, which lacked a suspension lift and more aggressive tires. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, hindered entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and Limited/Calligraphy trims, included features from the SEL and its Convenience Package, with options for FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast, resembling a monochrome image. Despite this, the interior design was thoughtful and of high quality for its price point, though not as upscale as higher trims.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a conservative design approach, with proper proportions and rugged styling that appealed to many. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, with a Premium package and AWD, reached an MSRP of $43,100, overlapping with entry-level luxury models. The Platinum offered upscale features, notably its diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials, aligning with compact SUV standards.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while adequate for reaching freeway speeds and cruising, lacked the power for quick acceleration or climbing hills. The eight-speed automatic transmission, with pushbutton controls, offered Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD lock and hill descent control. The XRT averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride was composed and quiet, with good suspension isolation and minimal wind noise, though occasional bounciness was noted.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The engine provided responsive performance in urban settings but lacked highway passing power. The CVT's simulated gear changes were sometimes too dramatic, and the engine's three-cylinder configuration resulted in unusual noise and vibration. The Rogue averaged 28.9 mpg, below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads. The steering felt lifeless, but overall handling was secure.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered a dual-zone climate control system and stain-resistant fabric seats, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The rear seats provided ample space for a family of four, with good legroom and rear air conditioning vents. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free access to the 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage compartments were plentiful, though some were hard to access.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum featured a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats, with Zero Gravity design, were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the Divide-N-Hide feature. Storage was ample, though unlined compartments could cause noise.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Bluelink services. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clear graphics. The digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a thoughtful addition.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The test vehicle had a 9-inch screen, Bose audio, and Alexa Built-in, though voice recognition was limited. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display, both functioning well despite weather conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT included Hyundai SmartSense features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection and Safe Exit Assist added safety, while the ultrasonic rear occupant alert system monitored the interior. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover score.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered Safety Shield 360 with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, working well on highways. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it scored lower in updated tests. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal impacts.