2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. It featured well-proportioned and chiseled styling, with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. This design approach was crucial, as aesthetics play a significant role in consumer decisions. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, enhancing the overall luxurious feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold departure from traditional design, embracing a boxy aesthetic that prioritized storage capacity. This design choice was a nod to Hyundai's forward-thinking approach, emphasizing technology and efficiency. The Santa Fe's exterior was complemented by sophisticated colour options and anodized-finish badging, while the interior boasted premium styling with features like a cocooning fabric headliner. The Santa Fe's design turned heads and was particularly admired for its upscale appearance and aerodynamic efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered driving modes like Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue's powertrain was responsive in urban settings, it lacked highway passing power and exhibited some cabin noise and vibration. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The Rogue's suspension provided a balanced ride, though it struggled with undulating pavement and offered modest grip from its all-season tires.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe's driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Snow, with additional off-road settings for the XRT trim. Fuel economy for the hybrid was impressive, with ratings of 6.8 L/100 km city and 6.9 combined. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were smooth and stable, though it exhibited some body roll through turns. The XRT trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its ground clearance and robust tires.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four passengers and a fifth in a pinch. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and quilted pleats that felt uncomfortable. The Rogue's cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres of space with the moonroof and expanded to 2,064 litres with the rear seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, though storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe emphasized cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body dedicated to storage. The design was inspired by "chabak," focusing on car camping and tailgating. The Santa Fe offered a spacious first and second row, with options for reclining captain's chairs. The cargo area provided 413 litres of space, expanding to 2,267 litres with seats folded. The Santa Fe also featured a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox, a nod to modern health concerns. The interior was designed for comfort and organization, with storage pockets and bottle holders throughout.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a Bose audio system and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, struggling with specific requests. The Rogue also offered a head-up display, though it was not tested with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, integrating digital real estate seamlessly. The touchscreen was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo and dynamic voice recognition. Higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system, allowing for keyless access and control via a smartphone app. The Santa Fe's technology was user-friendly and enhanced the overall driving experience.

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

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The base trim included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai with driver monitoring, using infrared cameras and capacitive sensors to ensure driver alertness.