Best Cars · head-to-head

Kia Sportage (2026) vs Nissan Rogue (2026)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kia Sportage (2026) is cheaper at $28790. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Kia Sportage (2026) or Nissan Rogue (2026)?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Kia Sportage (2026) is the cheaper at $28790.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Kia Sportage (2026) Nissan Rogue (2026)
US price $28790 $29490
BrandKiaNissan
Released20262026
Body style compact SUV compact SUV
Mpg combined 28 32
Horsepower 187 201
Drivetrain FWD FWD
Seats 5 5
Cargo cuft
Powertrain 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic 1.5L inline-3 turbocharged, CVT AV-S8
Release 2026 2026

Sources — Kia Sportage (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Nissan Rogue (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Kia Sportage (2026) and Nissan Rogue (2026)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Mpg combined: Kia Sportage (2026) 28 vs Nissan Rogue (2026) 32
  • Horsepower: Kia Sportage (2026) 187 vs Nissan Rogue (2026) 201
  • Powertrain: Kia Sportage (2026) 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic vs Nissan Rogue (2026) 1.5L inline-3 turbocharged, CVT AV-S8

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Kia Sportage (2026)

Both whitelisted hands-on reviews survived verification. Car and Driver (instrumented) and MotorTrend (hybrid first drive) rate the refreshed 2026 Sportage a comfortable, well-equipped value whose weak 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine is its main flaw; the hybrid supplies the missing pep. Car and Driver measured 9.1-sec 0-60 for the gas engine versus 7.4 for the hybrid, plus 31 mpg observed highway. Non-whitelisted outlets were excluded. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Comfortable, quiet, well-controlled ride; Strong value — low entry price and generous standard equipment; Hybrid powertrain adds welcome pep and refinement over the gas engine.

Flagged: Sluggish, underpowered 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine; Unengaging, dull driving dynamics (non-hybrid); Hybrid fuel economy regresses on larger-wheel SX/X-Line trims.

Nissan Rogue (2026)

Two whitelisted testers reviewed the 2026 Rogue; both praise its comfortable, compliant ride and roomy, well-packaged interior, and both flag a laggy infotainment system. They diverge sharply on overall merit: Car and Driver measured an 8.0-sec 0-60, rates it 7.5/10 and ranks it #16, calling its dynamics 'blah'; MotorTrend scores it 9.4/10 and ranks it #2. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Comfortable, compliant, soft ride; Spacious interior with abundant storage and competitive cargo room; Responsive, efficient turbo three-cylinder powertrain.

Flagged: Laggy / mediocre infotainment system; Intrusive road and tire noise at highway speed; Bland, unengaging driving dynamics.

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