2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, offering a refreshed look across its Canadian trim levels: S, SV Moonroof, SV Premium, SL, and Platinum. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were signature elements of the Rogue. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted a 19-inch machined-finish look. The Platinum trim also included more black exterior trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown colour option.

The 2024 Kia Sorento also received a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's exterior featured a robust new grille, vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's Canadian trims included LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and the new X-Pro, each offering distinct styling cues. Inside, the Sorento's cabin was modernized with a new dashboard and combined gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro trims featured twin 12.3-inch displays. The interior materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, contributing to a more upscale feel.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a unique 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, which allowed it to vary its compression ratio for optimal power or fuel economy. This engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, outperforming many competitors' engines, including the Honda CR-V's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and the Subaru Forester's 2.5-litre boxer-four. However, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less impressive, often slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without enhancing handling. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue was quiet, and its engine performance was commendable, though the exhaust note was less appealing.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission but struggled with the Sorento's weight. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided lively performance and ample passing power. The Sorento's AWD system was standard in Canada, with varying ground clearance depending on the trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms. While the gas-powered Sorento's fuel economy was average, the hybrid and PHEV versions offered better efficiency.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with legroom being the primary differentiator among rivals. The Rogue's cargo space was slightly less than the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson but more than the Subaru Forester. The Rogue featured the optional Divide-N-Hide system, allowing for flexible cargo configurations. The cargo area included a molded-in space for grocery bags, and higher trims offered a power liftgate and motion-activated liftgate. The centre console provided additional storage options, though accessing the floor-level tray was somewhat awkward.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row was tight. The Sorento offered more legroom in the front and second rows than many two-row SUVs, with comfortable seats and noise-insulating acoustic glass on higher trims. The third row, while not spacious, was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded. The Sorento's interior layout was ergonomic, with ample small-item storage. The optional captain's chairs in the second row provided additional flexibility and access to the third row.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SL and Platinum trims received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. This feature was free for five years, after which a data plan was required. The Rogue's infotainment system was user-friendly, with multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering remote features via a smartphone app.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software 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 included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received strong safety ratings, with "Good" scores from the IIHS in several crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2024 Kia Sorento boasted an extensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced options included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning capabilities. The IIHS awarded the Sorento "Good" ratings in several tests, though the LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 Sorento.