2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and commanding presence. This midsize SUV was enhanced with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, adding a sense of purpose to its already attractive design. In the U.S., the X-Line was a package applied to the top trim, while in Canada, it was a standalone mid-grade package, with all-wheel drive standard across all models. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and its rock-solid construction was evident in every detail, from the door releases to the transmission shifter. Despite its stylish interior, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a well-rounded choice for buyers.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, having undergone a significant redesign in 2021, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated look. The exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design, contributing to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a highlight, featuring an electronic gear selector lever, ample storage space, and a 9-inch infotainment display. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort for passengers, while the fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which was considered unremarkable in terms of performance. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying driving experience. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, allowing the Sorento to accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, delivering a sporty driving experience. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.7 L/100 km with the base engine and 9.9 L/100 km with the turbo engine, though real-world figures were higher.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a boost in performance with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway. The new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and good steering feel.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, featuring Burgundy leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults, making it more suitable for occasional use. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded down, with a maximum capacity of 2,139 litres. The Sorento also offered a smart power tailgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. The available moonroof reduced cargo space slightly, but the Rogue remained a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the design might not appeal to everyone. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology package included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, a hands-on driver-assist technology, was available, offering advanced features like navigation-linked speed control. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry on all doors.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about the standard LED headlights in Canada.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came equipped with the Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features with Level 2 driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.