2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

In 2022, the Nissan Rogue continued the mature, robust design set by its 2021 transformation. Drawing inspiration from the Pathfinder, it showcased Nissan’s V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a sophisticated floating roof illusion bolstered by dark supporting pillars. The external aesthetic, characterized by active grille shutters and underbody covers, boosted aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the Rogue impressed with a layered dash featuring distinct horizontal layers and contrasting colors on various trims. The centerpiece was an electronic gear selector lever that freed up significant console space, perfect for additional storage. Comfort reigned supreme with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a spacious second row. Fit and finish, especially on the Platinum model, were top-notch.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Kia Telluride underwent subtle but impactful styling tweaks. Both X-Line and X-Pro models received fresh front and rear treatments, updated lighting, and striking new wheel designs. Colors like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green adorned its robust silhouette, further enhanced by differentiated trims with elements like raised roof rails and exclusive 18-inch wheels for the X-Pro. Inside, Kia leaned towards modern luxury with premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable seats, and a sophisticated, functional center console. The dual-screen setup, comprising a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available digital instrument panel, blended seamlessly under a unified glass panel. Interior decor updates, from new colors to minor trim changes, completed the upscale feel.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine to the lineup, replacing the previous 2.5-liter inline-four. This innovative three-cylinder engine employed Variable Compression technology, dynamically adjusting the combustion chamber size to optimize power and efficiency. The new engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque—11% more horsepower and 24% more torque than its predecessor. Combined with an improved CVT, acceleration became more responsive while maintaining a smooth and efficient ride quality. The Rogue impressed with a fuel economy of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and long trips.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its potent 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Telluride offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, as well as a low-speed Lock setting for AWD models. The V6 engine efficiently managed different terrains, and during testing, the X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg. The Telluride’s engineering allowed it to adapt seamlessly from smooth highways to challenging off-road conditions, especially in the X-Pro variant with its raised suspension and all-terrain tires. The added Downhill Brake Control system and increased towing capacity highlighted its versatility and off-road capability.

Nissan designed the 2022 Rogue with convenience and practicality in mind, offering multiple storage spaces throughout the cabin. From the bottle holders in the doors to the sizable center console bin and the innovative tray beneath it, the Rogue catered to the needs of busy families and commuters. Rear passengers enjoyed additional storage in door pockets, seatbacks, and the center armrest, while two USB charge ports kept devices powered. Cargo space was another strong suit, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

The 2023 Kia Telluride excelled in interior space and comfort, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The test vehicles featured luxurious Nappa leather, power-operated, heated, and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. A power lumbar stabilization system for the driver and Wi-Fi hotspot catered to long journeys and tech-savvy occupants. Accessing the third row was easy and comfortable, rivaling most midsize SUVs in the segment. Storage was ample throughout the cabin, with clever solutions like proximity-sensing tailgates. Cargo capacity behind the third-row stood at 21 cubic feet, extending to 46 cubic feet with the third row down, and reaching 87 cubic feet with all seats folded flat, making the Telluride a practical choice for larger families.

In 2022, the Nissan Rogue integrated cutting-edge tech, particularly in its higher trims, with three prominent screens: a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured connectivity, while advanced navigation capabilities provided by Google Maps and Waze enhanced the driving experience. ProPilot Assist offered an advanced driver-assist feature, elevating the Rogue closer to autonomous driving with capabilities like adaptive cruise control and speed adjustments based on navigational cues. The Intelligent Key added convenience by allowing rear door access with a simple double-tap.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive upgrade, starting with the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system, the Telluride’s infotainment was both user-friendly and powerful. Voice recognition worked efficiently for navigation and media control, while Kia Connect services and OTA updates ensured the latest features. Kia added six USB charging ports and innovative features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode for enhanced family communication. The optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon system and smartphone digital key technology took convenience and luxury a notch higher. The Full Display Mirror and advanced head-up display added layers of safety and awareness, making the Telluride’s tech suite comprehensive and sophisticated.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue stood out with robust safety features, standardizing the Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all trims. This suite included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional passive safety features included ten airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist turned up safety with Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating steering assist and adaptive cruise control for smoother driving in diverse conditions. The Rogue earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and awaited 2022 IIHS crash test ratings, though the 2021 model was already a Top Safety Pick+.

For the 2023 Kia Telluride, safety was paramount, expanding its suite of ADAS. Standard features covered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, junction turning assist, and an automatic braking system. The comprehensive list continued with blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure and lane-keeping assists, and adaptive cruise control. Upgraded SX trims included Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with semi-autonomous driving features and additional collision avoidance systems. The Telluride's ultrasonic sensors added another layer of caution with the Rear Occupant Alert system. Although crash-test ratings for the 2023 model were not yet published, the Telluride was well-equipped to handle various safety scenarios.