2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. 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 trim boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim. 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 interior materials, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching, adding to the upscale ambiance.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, retained its chunky, boxy design from its 2024 debut. The three-row SUV featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose, with pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps that aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added chrome and black trim with black roof rails. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except for the Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, with some squeaks and rattles noted during testing. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some adjustment, and the XRT trim's off-road capabilities were enhanced with 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup, which allowed for variable compression ratios to optimize power or fuel economy. With 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, the Rogue's engine outperformed many competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was sluggish, detracting from the engine's performance. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without improving handling. Despite its quiet cabin, the Rogue's droning exhaust note was a downside.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Santa Fe's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission occasionally lagged in downshifting. The XRT trim, focused on off-road capabilities, featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing its off-road geometry. While the Santa Fe handled corners well, turbo lag was noticeable during acceleration. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some adjustment, and the XRT trim's off-road capabilities were enhanced with 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. Cargo space was 36.5 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded, less than the CR-V and Tucson but more than the Forester. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The center console featured a pass-through space, though accessing the storage tray was awkward.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. The second and third rows could be folded for up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space, though competitors like the Honda Pilot offered more. The Santa Fe's rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, facilitating easier loading of large items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT trim capable of towing 4,500 pounds. The base SE trim was basic, while higher trims offered features like heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster on SL and Platinum models. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store. Connectivity was free for five years, with a vehicle data plan required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot. Charging options included USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan Connect Services extended its free trial period to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with a digital gauge cluster available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key feature allowed for unlocking and starting the car via smartphone or Apple Watch. The Santa Fe also offered a digital rearview mirror and head-up display on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing features like climate control presets and location alerts.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with lane centering and adaptive cruise control.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, with some areas rated "Acceptable."