2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 had a sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below on the bumper. The wedgy profile looked sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, while the matte silver paint added a smooth and silken finish. In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue had a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came with a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a variety of optional packages that pushed the MSRP to $43,100. Despite its higher price, the Rogue maintained a handsome and appealing look, critical for attracting buyers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its dual electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It had a 77-kilowatt-hour battery and could accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller 58 kWh battery and a 167 hp motor, which was less impressive. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp. The EV6 excelled in delivering torque quickly and effectively, with multiple regenerative braking settings and a maximum I-Pedal setting for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The CVT included paddle shifters, and the engine powered the front wheels unless equipped with optional AWD. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The new powertrain felt responsive in urban and suburban settings but lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue averaged 28.9 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The SUV's ride quality and handling were generally good, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV. The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family car replacement, with ample space for four people and the ability to carry a fifth person when needed. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. The rear seat, however, was less comfortable, with a low-mounted bottom cushion and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue offered up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for six different cargo configurations.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV6 featured Highway Driving Assist (HDA) with lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the head-up display (HUD) used augmented reality for navigation. Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws. The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a HUD. However, the voice recognition technology struggled with basic commands, and the key fob design was frustrating to use in low light. The Rogue's controls and layout were otherwise simple and straightforward.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist. The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.