2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform and, for the U.S. market, Hyundai offered the long-wheelbase model featuring two rows of seating and a larger cargo area. Up front, the Tucson boasted the new face of Hyundai vehicles, with a parametric grille hiding standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated headlights and DRLs created a shape resembling the wings of the Aztec Spirit Bird. Along the sides, the Tucson borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, Tucson sported distinctive LED taillights, except in the base model, adding a unique charm to its aesthetics.

The Tucson was available with either 17-inch or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim level. Interior combustion engine (ICE) models like SE, SEL, and Blue trims featured 17-inch alloys, while the SEL with the Convenience Package upgraded to 19-inch alloys. High-end trims received premium fascias, front and rear skid plates, gloss black pillars, and panoramic sunroofs. Standard features in the Tucson included roof rails (excluding SE trim), body-color side-mirror housing, solar glass, and acoustic laminated glass. Higher trims offered additional features like heated outside mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist indicators, aero wipers, and optional sunroofs.

The cabin of the Tucson was well-appointed with standard stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, with sport combination and leather-trimmed seats available on the N-Line and Limited trims. Hard- and soft-touch surfaces provided an upscale feel relative to its price. Horizontal lines across the dashboard and an uncluttered design enhanced the sense of spaciousness within the Tucson's interior.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Rogue avoided taking bold design risks and instead featured proper proportions and rugged styling elements, providing an overall handsome and appealing look. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Trim levels SV, SL, and Platinum offered optional Premium packages, while the new Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim.

The Rogue Platinum in our evaluation came loaded with AWD, two-tone paint, frameless rearview mirror, floor mats, cargo area protector, interior accent lighting, exterior ground lighting, illuminated kick plates, and a first-aid kit, pushing the MSRP to $43,100, overlapping with the Infiniti QX50. Platinum trims featured diamond-pattern leather seats with many soft-touch surfaces. While the Rogue's controls and materials matched the standards of compact SUVs, its most noticeable flaw was the uncomfortable rear seats compared to the impressive driver's seat comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came in two powertrain variants: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder ICE and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. A plug-in hybrid version was set to be introduced later. The ICE engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, aimed at providing capable performance rather than thrilling acceleration. This engine saw a power increase over the previous generation's 2.4-liter engine, targeting a combined fuel efficiency of 28 mpg.

The hybrid powertrain, with 226 total system horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, made the Tucson Hybrid more engaging to drive. It outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Tucson offered AWD as standard on hybrid models and available on ICE models, demonstrating robust performance in off-road tests.

Front-wheel-drive ICE Tucsons achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while AWD versions dropped to 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The Tucson Hybrid models delivered impressive fuel economy, with the most efficient variant achieving 38 mpg combined. Hyundai revealed details of the forthcoming plug-in hybrid version, which promised an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, along with approximately 25 miles of electric range.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue switched to a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, replacing the older 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The engine was mated to a CVT with paddle shifters, and while it offered eco, auto, and sport driving modes, AWD versions additionally provided off-road and snow modes.

The VC-Turbo powertrain improved urban and suburban driving responsiveness compared to the previous engine, but it fell short in highway passing power and character refinement. The Rogue’s three-cylinder engine produced some vibration and noise that detracted from an otherwise smooth and competent ride.

Fuel economy estimates for the AWD Rogue were 31 mpg combined, but real-world testing saw it average 28.9 mpg. The Rogue featured intelligent systems like Intelligent Trace Control for better cornering and Active Ride Control for smoother rides. Despite some lateral and vertical body motion on undulating roads, the Rogue generally provided a good balance of ride and body control.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, despite its budget-friendly positioning, boasted an interior on par or better than competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. Upfront, the Tucson offered a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims, providing lumbar support and easy adjustability. Available features included three-stage heated front seats, ventilated front seats, and memory settings.

The Tucson's spacious cabin offered ample room for a family of four, with rear-seat legroom surpassing that of the RAV4. The cargo area, with a dual-level floor and 60/40 split-folding rear bench, provided 74.8 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, and significantly more than the Escape. Standard features included a remote release for rear seat folding and a hands-free liftgate on mid-grade models and up.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also aimed to replace traditional family cars, offering increased accessibility, AWD capability, and a more practical cargo area. Our Platinum test model featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, along with power-adjustable, heated, Zero Gravity front seats, although lacking ventilation. The cabin design focused on comfort and visibility, but the placement of the ambient lighting control button and a poorly designed key fob detracted from functionality.

The Rogue’s rear doors opened to nearly 90 degrees for easier child access, and back seat comfort for adults was decent although the seating quality itself was less than ideal. The Rogue provided abundant storage, although unlined compartments caused noise issues. Cargo capacity behind the back seats measured up to 36.5 cubic feet, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with folded seats, along with Nissan's Divide-N-Hide feature for customizable storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured a robust set of standard tech offerings, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to higher trims brought additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone climate control. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen was available, although it required physical connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument cluster, but the flat touchpoint design of the large screen head unit posed usability challenges.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Rogue retained an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, featuring essential knobs for volume and tuning. Our test model had wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and a Bose premium audio system. While Alexa Built-in was a new addition, it proved unreliable during testing. Additional tech in the Rogue included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display, both performing well despite weather conditions hampering further tests.