2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The new paint colours, including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, added a vibrant touch, while the interior offered new hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model further enhanced its off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a modern and futuristic feel. Minor interior changes included new colours, trim updates, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro models.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a handsome and rugged design, appealing to those who value aesthetics in their vehicles. The lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, featured all-wheel drive, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. The Rogue's interior was well-appointed, with a focus on comfort and quality, although some might find the engine's character less refined. Despite this, the Rogue's design and features made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance, complemented by a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and improved cooling system, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its stability and capability, while providing a smooth and quiet ride on highways.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The engine's variable compression design aimed to balance performance and fuel economy, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue averaged 8.1 L/100 km, slightly missing expectations. It offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. The steering felt lifeless, but the overall handling was secure and consistent.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs were available, providing comfort for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row offered more comfort than many competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded. A smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function added convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, comfortably seating four adults, with room for a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim included a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity design, though the rear seats lacked comfort and leg support. The Rogue offered good outward visibility and straightforward controls, despite a frustrating key fob design. The rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the back seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and navigation. The system supported over-the-air updates and dual Bluetooth device pairing. Features like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and a wireless phone charger were standard, with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. The Telluride also offered digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror. An optional head-up display provided additional driving information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The test vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system struggled with certain commands, and the infotainment system lacked the latest features. However, the Rogue did include a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well during testing.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were available, along with a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured Safety Shield 360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received lower scores in some crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating.