2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

During an extensive test drive in Texas, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased both their stylish accents and practical updates. Every Telluride variant boasted redesigned front and rear fascias, updated headlight and taillight designs, and intriguing new wheel patterns. Exclusive paint options like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green added to its eye-catching appeal. The refreshed interior presented new color choices including Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

Replacing the previous Nightfall Edition, the Telluride X-Line featured a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, among other enhancements. The X-Pro version upped the ante with 18-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tires, aimed at delivering a tougher off-road aesthetic.

Inside, the 2023 Telluride displayed a subtly updated cabin with a cutting-edge digital instrumentation panel paired with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, encased within a 24-inch curved glass display—signifying a tech-forward push. Enhancements extended to new trimming, an updated steering wheel, and a more functional center console.

Conversely, the 2023 Nissan Rogue capitalized on its handsome, chiseled styling with practical SUV detailing that affirmed its rugged nature. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, where prices ranged from $27,360 to $37,140 before a $1,295 destination charge. The new Midnight Edition package was unique to the SV trim, offering additional visual flair.

In our test drive of the Platinum trim, the Rogue exhibited sleek two-tone paint, emphasized by a range of premium features such as a frameless rearview mirror and illuminated kick plates, inflating its MSRP to $43,100. Despite occasional drawbacks in the power department and some interior refinement quirks, the Rogue presented a visually appealing, well-rounded package with soft-touch materials in critical areas and an elegant diamond-pattern leather seating arrangement.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained much of its previous prowess, driven by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that generated 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, alongside an AWD system with a low-speed Lock setting for enhanced off-road capability.

On test drives, the V6 engine ensured the Telluride moved with ease, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro—the latter including demanding off-road conditions. The Telluride’s enhanced suspension and new Downhill Brake Control system demonstrated exceptional off-road performance, signaling its adaptability to various terrains.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, meanwhile, transitioned to a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), replacing the older 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Marked by Nissan’s variable compression technology, the VC-Turbo produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. AWD versions included Off-Road and Snow modes, providing adaptability for diverse driving conditions.

Urban and suburban driving in the Rogue felt responsive, with the CVT performing adequately despite simulated gear changes feeling overly dramatic at times and lacking highway passing power. The Rogue's EPA-rated 31 mpg in combined driving fell short at 28.9 mpg during evaluation, indicative of variable results with the VC-Turbo engine.

Both vehicles showcased distinct driving dynamics, with the Telluride delivering robust power and off-road capability, while the Rogue aimed for fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability.

The 2023 Kia Telluride could seat seven or eight passengers, dependent on the second-row configuration. Premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs (in SX Prestige trim) underscored its luxurious interior. With ample legroom and comfort-enhancing features like a power lumbar stabilization system, the Telluride supported long journeys with ease.

Entering the third-row seating was easier than in many competitors, offering superior comfort for a midsize SUV. The Telluride’s generous storage, via its smart power tailgate and significant cargo dimensions (21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded), reinforced its family-oriented design.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue aimed to replace the typical family car, efficiently accommodating four adults and an occasional fifth passenger. The Platinum trim offered luxurious touches like semi-aniline leather upholstery, Zero Gravity front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite lacking ventilated seats, the Rogue’s spacious interior and thoughtful storage solutions met practical needs.

Rogue’s rear doors opened wide, easing child car seat manipulation, and offered rear climate controls, air vents, and sunshades. Nonetheless, the rear seat comfort lagged, with a low cushion and discomforting diamond-shaped pleats.

Cargo dimensions showcased the Rogue’s efficiency, offering 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide system allowed versatile cargo configurations, and an underfloor storage area added further practicality.

Every 2023 Kia Telluride model came equipped with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition technology effectively handled standard commands, though climate adjustments required manual intervention.

Upgraded with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and new digital-key technology, the Telluride integrated seamless tech advancements like a Full Display Mirror and a 10-inch head-up display (HUD) showing comprehensive driver information.

For the 2023 Nissan Rogue, the infotainment tech lagged behind, using an older system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. Despite features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, voice recognition faltered, often misinterpreting commands and search queries.

However, the Rogue offered a comprehensive 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a functional HUD, though these technologies encountered challenges during adverse weather conditions, indicating room for improvement.

Kia’s 2023 Telluride abounded with safety features, from forward-collision warning to the highway-capable Highway Drive Assist 2.0. New additions included a junction turning system, intelligent speed limit assist, and a driver attention warning system. The surround-view camera with a forward view for off-roading further enhanced its safety profile, making the Telluride a stalwart protector on the road.

Nissan’s 2023 Rogue Safety Shield 360 bundle included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, among other features. Higher trims benefited from ProPilot Assist with Navi-link for adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, adaptable during highway drives. Despite robust safety credentials, the Rogue earned mixed ratings in updated IIHS crash tests, while excelling in NHTSA evaluations with a five-star overall rating.