2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid rode on the N3 platform, shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a size increase over its predecessor. It was 7.1 inches longer with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, enhancing rear-seat legroom. The new model was also about an inch taller and half an inch wider. The Sportage Hybrid featured a bold design with angular LED headlights and distinctive “boomerang” LED daytime running lights, giving it a unique appearance. The interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean, minimalist design. While the base models had cloth seats, higher trims offered SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap. The SX-Prestige trim included gloss black plastic trim, which quickly showed fingerprints and glare.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim offered upscale features, such as diamond-pattern leather seats and soft-touch materials. The Rogue’s interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, although the rear seats lacked comfort. The Rogue’s design was practical, with large side mirrors and thin windshield pillars for good visibility. However, the key fob design was criticized for being difficult to use in low light.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base LX trim offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX and SX-Prestige trims were AWD-only. The Sportage Hybrid delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The transmission provided smooth shifts and quick responses, contributing to a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Rogue’s powertrain was responsive in urban and suburban settings, but lacked passing power on the highway. The CVT’s simulated gear changes could feel dramatic, and the engine’s three-cylinder configuration resulted in some vibration and noise. The Rogue averaged 28.9 mpg in combined driving, falling short of the EPA’s 31 mpg estimate. The Rogue’s suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, but the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It provided more front-seat headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids, but less for second-row passengers. Rear-seat legroom was best-in-class, tied with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The Sportage Hybrid featured a dual-level cargo floor, offering 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The interior included a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones, USB ports, and clever cupholders.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, with ample space for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim included premium features like a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. The Rogue’s Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue offered good outward visibility and practical storage solutions, though some storage areas were unlined. The cargo area provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige had a panoramic display combining a 12.3-inch screen with a digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, with touch controls for audio and climate settings. Hybrid models included USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system. Alexa Built-in was standard in the Rogue Platinum, but the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid’s safety ratings were unavailable at the time of testing. The base LX trim included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and safe-exit warning, while the SX-Prestige offered adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, a 360-degree camera system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering 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 some specific tests.