2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and sporty character lines. The updated LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs contributed to its modern appearance. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned for a more spacious look, with a separated instrument panel and centre console. Ambient lighting added a touch of elegance, while the introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and athletic features, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive wheel designs. The Kona N further elevated the sportiness with wide fenders, a front lip spoiler, and N sport bucket seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a handsome and rugged design, appealing to those who value aesthetics in their vehicles. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a two-tone paint job. The interior was equipped with a frameless rearview mirror, accent lighting, and a first-aid kit. Despite its premium features, the Rogue's price approached that of the Infiniti QX50, a luxury compact crossover. The Rogue's design choices, such as the Midnight Edition package, added a touch of exclusivity to its appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, while the N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 horsepower. The Kona N took performance to the next level with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 276 horsepower. The N DCT transmission provided quick shifts and exclusive driving features, enhancing the Kona's sporty character. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low centre of gravity contributing to its stability and agility.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower. The VC-Turbo engine aimed to balance performance and fuel economy, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's CVT included paddle shifters and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless. Despite some body motion on uneven roads, the Rogue maintained a secure handling character.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants, with sufficient headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges due to limited space and small door openings. The Kona's cargo space was tight, offering 544 litres with all seats up and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona, limiting its practicality for larger loads.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue excelled as a family-friendly SUV, offering spacious seating for four adults and the option to accommodate a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space with the back seats up. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, expanding to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, including an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Kona N Line offered a premium audio system and wireless device charging. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services, enhancing convenience for owners. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, however, used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle featured a 9-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition technology had limitations, struggling with certain requests. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, though the infotainment system could benefit from an update.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear occupant alert. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it fell short of Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted an extensive array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. ProPilot Assist impressed with its accuracy and lane-centring technology, though braking action could be abrupt. The Rogue's safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.