2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-style symmetry at the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The use of buttons and knobs for controls made it user-friendly, and the solid transmission shifter added a touch of quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated exterior design. The V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and floating roof design contributed to its sleek appearance. The Rogue's cabin featured a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a refined look. The centre console, with its electronic gear selector lever, offered practicality and space efficiency. The 9-inch infotainment display was well-placed, and the Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model, showcasing Nissan's attention to detail.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a choice of two engines. Most models featured a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The ride was smooth and compliant, with a hint of body roll, and the suspension tuning lent the Sportage a sophisticated driving character. While fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This marked an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, enhancing the Rogue's performance. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering had a good feel, and the tight turning diameter added to its agility.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and the front seats provided ample comfort with power adjustments. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. The Sportage's interior storage was generous, but its maximum cargo volume of 1,703 litres fell short of segment leaders. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a centre console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered up to 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded flat. This made it a practical choice for those needing ample cargo capacity.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a technology upgrade, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience. The Intelligent Key system allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The Rogue also had ten airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.