2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line trim added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with family-friendly features, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. The Sorento offered a panoramic sunroof and a smart power tailgate, enhancing its practicality and appeal.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which was an improvement over the previous generation. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing a balanced performance for the Rogue's weight, which ranged from 1,536 kg to 1,653 kg depending on the trim. The Rogue's handling was significantly improved, with better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the AWD model consuming 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre engine, but the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine was more appealing, delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing a more dynamic driving experience. The Sorento's handling was impressive, with a well-tuned suspension and excellent body motion control. However, fuel consumption was higher than expected, with real-world figures averaging around 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, adding practical storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and the second-row headroom was generous. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with additional features like a panoramic sunroof and leatherette upholstery available on higher trims. The cargo space was versatile, offering up to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and equipped with family-friendly features, while the third-row seat was less suitable for adults. The Sorento offered up to 2,139 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and a smart power tailgate added convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The Platinum grade featured a larger 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose audio system. However, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were hard to read.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims, with navigation and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, with features like forward emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for highway driving. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor was exclusive to the SX trim. The Sorento received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.