2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing its already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard and additional features like Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without these extras, the Sorento exuded quality, from its leather upholstery and simulated wood trim to the solid construction of its cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue carried forward the mature and sophisticated design introduced in its 2021 makeover. The exterior featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior followed a layered dash design trend, with contrasting colors and surfaces in different trims. The center console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage space, and a 9-inch center infotainment display. The Rogue’s cabin was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available from the EX trim, generated 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and responsive brakes. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging around 20.7 mpg during our tests.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a new CVT, improved the Rogue’s performance and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and good steering feel. The new engine and transmission made the Rogue more responsive and enjoyable to drive, though it lacked the option for a manual transmission.

Inside, the 2022 Kia Sorento’s cabin felt luxurious, with features like a 14-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the SX Prestige X-Line trim. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and equipped with various storage solutions, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. With the third-row seats folded, the Sorento offered 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 75.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. The smart power tailgate added convenience, though it could sometimes open unintentionally.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments and charging ports for both front and rear passengers. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. This made the Rogue a practical choice for families needing ample storage space.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter required a cable. The system was intuitive but had a unique design that might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim onwards.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s technology suite included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s advanced driver-assist system, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with the Kia Drive Wise suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in most crash tests.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. ProPilot Assist provided Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.