2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, enhancing 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. Canadian Sorentos came standard with all-wheel drive, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing ranging from $34,595 to $48,085 for gas-only models and starting at $36,695 for hybrids. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and its rock-solid construction was evident in every detail, from door releases to the transmission shifter. Despite its stylish interior, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a great value for buyers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a conservative yet appealing design with proper proportions and chiseled styling. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748. Our test vehicle, a U.S.-spec Platinum trim, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats. While the Rogue's interior offered a comfortable and upscale experience, it lacked ventilated front seats. The Rogue's design was practical, with good outward visibility and a straightforward layout, though the key fob design was less user-friendly. The rear seat was roomy but not as comfortable as the front, and the cargo area was versatile with the Divide-N-Hide feature, offering up to 2,064 litres of space.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 281 hp 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, offering a sporty driving experience. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing, making the hybrid or plug-in hybrid options more appealing for fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Rogue offered responsive performance in urban settings but lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to all drivers. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless. Despite some body motion on undulating roads, the Rogue handled well overall.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with convenient storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped and better suited for expanding cargo space, which could reach up to 2,139 litres. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious interior with comfortable front seats featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design. The rear seat, while roomy, lacked comfort due to its low cushion and quilted pleats. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area was versatile with up to 2,064 litres of space. However, the key fob design was less user-friendly, and storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the latter offering navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. While the system was intuitive, the voice recognition was less effective than Hyundai's. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The voice recognition struggled with certain requests, and the key fob design was less intuitive. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was exclusive to the SX trim, enhancing blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a wide range of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received lower scores in updated tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.