Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Nissan Rogue in Canada offered a diverse range of trims, starting from the base S to the luxurious Platinum. The SV trim was particularly popular due to its reasonable price of $40,685, which included a destination charge and other fees. It came equipped with features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. All-wheel drive, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims. The Platinum trim, which we tested, boasted semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in capability was a highlight, offering seamless navigation and connectivity. The Rogue's design, with its blocky shape and large grille, was complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it a bold presence.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. Both trims integrated seamlessly into the existing gas-only Palisade lineup. The Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's design was both stylish and functional, with power-folding side mirrors and acoustic side glass. The rear of the vehicle was equally impressive, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade offered a comfortable and thoughtfully designed cabin. The base trims came with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The Palisade's interior was crafted with care, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. While it provided adequate power for routine driving, it lacked the punch for more spirited acceleration. The engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that delivered power to all four wheels. Nissan's experience with CVTs was evident, as the transmission operated smoothly and quietly. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, though not particularly exciting. Braking was smooth and predictable, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery. This setup produced a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for both city and highway driving. The Palisade's advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system contributed to its impressive performance. The hybrid system allowed for efficient power distribution and load leveling, enhancing handling. The Palisade's cabin was notably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp and responsive, though the pedal feel was somewhat soft.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was well-designed, with quilted leather seating and upmarket trim pieces in the Platinum model. The steering wheel was chunky and slightly flat-bottomed, providing a comfortable grip. The Rogue's cabin featured intuitive controls, with a row of HVAC controls and buttons for heated seats and the steering wheel. Rear legroom measured 978 millimetres, and the cargo space behind the second row was 1,028 litres. The Divide-and-Hide storage system added versatility to the cargo area. Throughout the cabin, storage solutions were generous and creative, including a compartment beneath the centre console.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, which was competitive among three-row crossovers. While second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, the Palisade still provided ample space for passengers. The third row offered 815 millimetres of legroom and 957 millimetres of headroom. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. The second row featured a bench seat, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The Palisade was equipped with numerous storage cubbies, including a rubberized cargo space in the centre console.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in the lower trims, while the upper trims boasted a larger 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation was particularly useful during our test drive. The ProPilot system allowed for hands-free operation on pre-mapped roads, enhancing the driving experience. A wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the base of the centre console.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. The Palisade introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off, provided the hybrid battery had sufficient charge.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the side impact test. Standard safety features included forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display, ProPilot Assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert indicator. At the time of writing, the 2026 Palisade had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.