2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. It featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's design was crucial in attracting buyers who valued aesthetics, as it avoided the pitfalls of being perceived as unattractive. The lineup included various trims, from the base S FWD to the upscale Platinum, with the latter offering a host of luxurious features such as diamond-pattern leather seats and a two-tone paint job. The interior was crafted with soft-touch materials, ensuring a comfortable and quality feel for both the driver and passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's new front end, with its bold grille and vertically stacked LED headlights, gave it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle but effective, with LED taillights and new bumpers enhancing its contemporary look. Inside, the Sorento boasted a redesigned dashboard with a clean, horizontal layout, and higher trims featured twin 12.3-inch displays. The cabin materials were upgraded, offering a more luxurious feel, with options like faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped elements. The Sorento's interior was both stylish and functional, providing a solidly assembled and upscale experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The Rogue's AWD system was standard on all but the base trim in Canada, and it included various driving modes such as Eco, Auto, and Sport, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its innovative powertrain, the Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's ride quality was generally smooth, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing its handling, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The latter provided a more robust performance, with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission ensuring a lively driving experience. All Sorentos in Canada came with AWD, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims offered increased ground clearance for light off-road duties. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in challenging conditions, offering a smoother ride and improved grip. While the gas-powered Sorentos had average fuel economy, the turbocharged versions delivered a satisfying balance of power and efficiency.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four passengers and the option to accommodate a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats with Zero Gravity designs for added comfort. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped quilted pleats. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 2,064 litres with the seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for customizable cargo configurations, though the unlined storage areas could lead to unwanted noise.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, particularly in the first two rows, with 1,052 mm of front legroom and 1,060 mm in the second row. The third row, while tight with 752 mm of legroom, was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's interior was well-appointed, with options for ventilated front seats and noise-insulating acoustic glass on higher trims. The cargo space was compromised when the third row was in use, offering only 357 litres, but expanded to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with the third row folded. With all seats down, the Sorento provided up to 2,139 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families needing flexibility.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, though the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy. The infotainment system was complemented by a Bose premium audio system, providing a decent sound experience. Despite its features, the Rogue's technology felt dated compared to newer systems.

The 2024 Kia Sorento introduced a redesigned infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on all trims, integrated into a single-pane, twin-screen setup. The new software, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento also featured USB-C outlets in all three rows and a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system on higher trims. The Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and driving, adding convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, providing a smooth and accurate driving experience. 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 Kia Sorento offered an extensive array of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system, available on higher trims, included automated lane changes. While the IIHS had not fully evaluated the 2024 Sorento, it received "Good" ratings in several tests. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 model, but previous versions received four-star overall ratings.