2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, boasting a stylish four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a symmetrical rear reminiscent of Volkswagen. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage embraced a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and plain white markings on a black background. The SX Turbo trim featured metal pedal covers and offered a choice of black, gray, and beige interiors, creating a high-contrast, upscale look. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, enhancing the overall sense of quality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated design. The exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof illusion created by dark supporting pillars. The Rogue's design was sleek, with active grille shutters and underbody covers for improved airflow. Inside, the Rogue followed a layered dash design trend, offering contrasting colors and surfaces in some trims. The center console was a standout feature, with an electronic gear selector lever that saved space, allowing for additional storage beneath. The 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy visibility, and the instrument panel varied from a 7-inch display to a full 12.3-inch digital screen in upper trims. The Rogue's Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats provided comfort, and the spacious second row accommodated adults comfortably. Nissan's attention to fit and finish was evident, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a choice of two engines. Most models came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, featured a more powerful 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) engine with 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling option for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, creating a lively driving experience. The Sportage's suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. While the Sportage was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This marked an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, enhancing the Rogue's performance in various driving situations. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter added to its maneuverability.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, added to the comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin offered numerous storage solutions, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, with 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning. However, the UVO Link system lacked some technological sophistication, with a smaller screen, no WiFi hotspot, and wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a technology upgrade in its 2021 makeover, which continued into the 2022 model. Upper trim levels featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for proactive speed adjustments. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient unlocking of both front and rear doors.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist enhanced the safety features, offering Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the 2021 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.