Nissan Rogue vs Kia Sportage

Nissan Rogue and Kia Sportage Overview

The Nissan Rogue and Kia Sportage are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and style. Both vehicles have unique features and strengths, making it challenging for buyers to decide which one is the better fit. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the key differences between these two SUVs, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

Exterior Dimensions

Nissan Rogue:

• Length: 184.5 inches
• Width: 72.4 inches
• Height: 66.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 106.5 inches

Kia Sportage:

• Length: 182.7 inches
• Width: 73.4 inches
• Height: 66.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 105.1 inches

The Nissan Rogue is slightly longer and has a longer wheelbase, while the Kia Sportage is slightly wider. Both vehicles have the same height, making them similar in overall size and proportions.

Fuel Consumption

Nissan Rogue:

• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (FWD): 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (AWD): 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined

Kia Sportage:

• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (FWD): 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (AWD): 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined

The Nissan Rogue has a clear advantage in fuel efficiency, with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offering better city, highway, and combined fuel economy than the Kia Sportage.

Cargo Space

Nissan Rogue:

• Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row): 39.3 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume (behind 1st row): 70.0 cubic feet

Kia Sportage:

• Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row): 30.7 cubic feet
• Cargo Volume (behind 1st row): 60.1 cubic feet

The Nissan Rogue offers significantly more cargo space, both behind the second row and with the seats folded down, making it a more versatile choice for those who need to transport larger items or bulky cargo.

Engine Options

Nissan Rogue:

• Standard Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque

Kia Sportage:

• Standard Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque
• Optional Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque

While both vehicles offer similar standard engine performance, the Kia Sportage has the advantage of an available turbocharged engine, which significantly boosts horsepower and torque for those who desire more power and acceleration.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Nissan Rogue:

• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Kia Sportage:

• Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The Nissan Rogue utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), providing smooth and efficient power delivery, while the Kia Sportage features a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles offer the option of front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Horsepower

Nissan Rogue:

• Standard Engine Horsepower: 181 hp

Kia Sportage:

• Standard Engine Horsepower: 181 hp
• Optional Turbocharged Engine Horsepower: 240 hp

As mentioned earlier, the Kia Sportage has the advantage of an available turbocharged engine that produces significantly more horsepower than the standard engine in the Nissan Rogue, providing a noticeable boost in performance.

Towing Capacity

Nissan Rogue:

• Towing Capacity: 1,350 lbs

Kia Sportage:

• Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

The Kia Sportage has a clear advantage in towing capacity, with the ability to haul up to 2,000 lbs, compared to the Nissan Rogue’s 1,350 lbs, making the Sportage a better choice for those who need to tow larger items, such as small trailers or boats.