2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride impressed consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions, projecting an aggressive and attractive stance. Its trendy blacked-out wheels and trim options added an edge to its appearance, reinforcing its handsome, midsize SUV aesthetics. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes, updating the grille pattern and adding new Kia badges, maintaining the successful design formula.

The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge of $1,225. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) could be added for an additional $2,000 ($1,900 for the SX trim). The tested Telluride SX model came equipped with AWD, the SX Prestige Package, and carpeted floor mats, bringing the total to $48,325.

Inside, the Telluride showcased an impressive interior with logically arranged controls. However, the glossy plastic covering the lower half of the cabin appeared somewhat cheap, especially in the SX Prestige trim, which featured Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. Despite this, the overall perception was that the Telluride's interior offered good value for its price. New standard features for 2022 included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and Highway Driving Assist.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Rogue had a more conservative but appealing design, adopting proper proportions and rugged SUV detailing. This latest design aimed to convey a sense of purpose without taking big stylistic risks. The Rogue’s line-up included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Optional Premium packages were available for the SV, SL, and Platinum trims, while the new Midnight Edition package was exclusive to the SV trim.

The tested Rogue, in Platinum trim, had several upgrades, including AWD, a Premium option package, two-tone paint, a frameless rearview mirror, and various lighting and protection accessories, totaling $43,100.

The Rogue’s interior emphasized upscale touches, particularly with its diamond-pattern leather seats in the Platinum trim. Many surfaces were soft to the touch, and the overall material quality met the standards of the compact SUV segment. However, the presence of some unrefined elements prevented it from being entirely luxurious.

The 2022 Kia Telluride delivered a satisfying driving experience, despite its size and high center of gravity typical of SUVs. The vehicle was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which provided ample power. An eight-speed automatic transmission distributed this power to either FWD or optional AWD configurations. For AWD models, a Lock mode was available to evenly split power between the front and rear axles, although the Telluride’s limited wheel articulation recommended keeping it on relatively tame paths.

The SX trim featured a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and offered driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, which worked well with its 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires. On the road, the Telluride exhibited a supple ride and decent handling. It cruised comfortably at high speeds, making it an excellent option for long-distance trips, aided by the Highway Driving Assist technology.

Fuel economy for the AWD model during testing was 21.1 mpg, closely matching the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined. The FWD variant had a slightly better EPA rating of 23 mpg. The Telluride also boasted a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it useful for hauling needs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue switched from its familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with variable compression, providing 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which included paddle shifters. Standard FWD could be upgraded to an optional AWD system featuring Off-Road and Snow modes.

The new powertrain provided better responsiveness than its predecessor, though the high-revving nature of the engine produced a distinct note and some vibration, which affected perceived refinement. While city driving felt smooth and engaging, the engine lacked passing power on the highway. The EPA rated this Rogue model at 31 mpg in combined driving, but testing returned 28.9 mpg.

The Rogue featured Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control to enhance cornering and ride quality. Additionally, it employed a strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension and came with substantial 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 tires. The vehicle performed admirably over speed humps and sharp bumps, although undulating roads revealed more body motion than ideal. The steering, while accurate, felt lifeless in the driver’s hands.

The 2022 Kia Telluride excelled in blending form with function. The interior was upscale, organized, and appealing, featuring thoughtful details such as overhead air vents, rear-side window shades, multiple storage pockets, and numerous USB ports. Dual-zone automatic climate control for front seats and single-zone for the rear, paired with standard SynTex simulated leather or optional Nappa leather in higher trims, created a premium environment.

All three rows accommodated adults, with the second row featuring a one-touch sliding mechanism for easier access to the rear seats. The Telluride offered ample storage, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. In practical use, these folding seats facilitated easy transport of large items, as demonstrated during Ikea runs.

For the 2023 Nissan Rogue, its compact SUV format offered a higher driving position, better visibility, and practical cargo space, making it a viable alternative to a midsize car. Accommodating four passengers comfortably (with space for a fifth), the Rogue Platinum trim provided luxury features such as triple-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, heated Zero Gravity front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Visibility was excellent from the driver’s seat, though the ambient lighting control button placement in the center armrest seemed quirky. Rear door accessibility was commendable, opening nearly 90 degrees, and rear amenities included climate controls, USB ports, side window shades, and heated seats. Despite these efforts, rear seat comfort lagged due to low cushion positioning and a peculiar seat texture.

The Rogue’s cargo capacity included 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with seats down, enhanced by the Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile storage configurations. Underfloor storage added extra practicality, though unlined compartments posed potential noise issues.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride upgraded to a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, though it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring wires for connection. USB ports were plentiful across all rows, with a wireless charging pad standard in all but the base trim. The Kia Connect service provided various remote features, safety alerts, and smart speaker integration, enhancing overall connectivity.

The Telluride also featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk to manage audio distribution and communication with rear passengers. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring, adding to the vehicle’s advanced tech credentials.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch standard or 9-inch optional touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, along with Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and a navigation system. The sound system was by Bose, paired with a wireless charging pad and Alexa Built-in, although voice recognition performance was subpar, often failing to provide accurate or relevant responses.

Higher trims included digital instrumentation and head-up displays (HUD), which functioned well but left room for improvement.

The 2022 Kia Telluride focused heavily on family safety, incorporating numerous standard driver assistance technologies under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella. These included forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. Smart Cruise Control-Curve and Safe Exit Assist were also standard, enhancing driving ease and safety.

Crash test ratings from the NHTSA awarded the Telluride a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact protection for the driver and passenger each received four stars. The IIHS gave it a “Top Safety Pick” designation, missing “Top Safety Pick+” due to headlight ratings.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Rogue provided 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and included Safety Shield 360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and high-beam headlights. Higher trims featured NissanConnect services with automatic collision notification and safe teen driver features. Premium trims added ProPilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, which worked well during testing despite minor activation issues.

The Rogue earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS for 2022 but scored marginally in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection for the driver and front passenger.