In recent years, the Kia Sportage was somewhat of an overlooked model in the competitive compact crossover SUV segment. However, this all changed when it received an impressive redesign for the 2023 model year. See how the all-new Sportage favorably stacks up against one of its rivals in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Nissan Rogue comparison. 

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Nissan Rogue

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Sportage vs. Rogue: Performance and gas mileage

For performance, the 2023 Nissan Rogue has a higher base engine output, but the 2023 Kia Sportage has a high maximum horsepower output. Engine options offered for the Sportage include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 hp). In comparison, all Rogue models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 3-cylinder engine (201 hp).

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered Sportage has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, compared to 33 combined mpg for the Rogue. However, unlike the Rogue, the Sportage offers ultra-efficient hybrid models. The Sportage Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

Sportage vs. Rogue: Towing 

The 2023 Sportage can tow more than the Rogue. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Rogue.

Sportage vs. Rogue: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer an all-wheel drive system for extra traction, but the Sportage is better than the Rogue for off-road use. For one, the Sportage has slightly higher ground clearance than the Rogue (8.3 vs. 8.2 inches). Also, unlike the Rogue, the Sportage has off-road focused models with the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims.

Sportage vs. Rogue: Safety

Both the Sportage and Rogue offer a strong roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a backup camera, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic alert, brake assist, and electronic stability control.

Sportage vs. Rogue: Passenger and cargo space

Which crossover SUV is bigger: the 2023 Sportage or the 2023 Rogue? The Sportage has slightly more passenger space, with a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft, compared to 105.4 cu-ft for the Rogue. However, both vehicles have a maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cu-ft. 

Sportage vs. Rogue: Warranty coverage

The Sportage has much more generous warranty coverage than the Rogue. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Rogue.

Sportage vs. Rogue: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: 2023 Sportage or the 2023 Rogue? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Rogue ranges from $27,360 MSRP for the S trim up to $38,640 MSRP for the Platinum trim. 

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Nissan Rogue: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 Sportage has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for maximum horsepower output, hybrid gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger space, and warranty coverage. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Rogue include base engine horsepower output and gas-engine fuel economy.