2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: A Real-World Comparison
The crossover SUV segment is burgeoning with plenty of venerable rivals. Two popular competitors are the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Santa Fe. We have tested both cars in a real-world setting and found that although they are similar in many ways, they both have their stark differences. Check out this short comparison between them.
2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: Both interiors are nice
We got to test out the top trim levels in each vehicle, which meant both of their interiors were loaded to the gills. The 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum came equipped with a quilted semi-aniline interior with “zero gravity” seats, while the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Platinum came fitted with Nappa leather seats. Additionally, both cabins are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for up to five passengers.
When choosing between these two cars, we liked the Hyundai Santa Fe’s seats and styling a little more than the Rogue’s. The Santa Fe has a more modern overall look to it compared to the Rogue’s more utilitarian motif.
The cargo space in both SUVs was similar
Families need cargo space, especially when traveling long distances. Fortunately, both of these small SUVs have similar-sized cargo areas. In fact, they both measure 72 cubic feet of total cargo room with the second row folded. That’s impressive. But what’s more impressive is the Nissan Rogue’s Divide-N-Hide cargo system, which allows for six different cargo-carrying solutions.
The Hyundai Santa Fe feels more powerful than the Nissan Rogue
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is solely powered by a turbocharged, variable-compression three-cylinder engine. This engine produces 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get onto a freeway or pass cars with relative ease. But you have really get it going first for the power to kick in.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe also has plenty of pep in its step. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that provides 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s much more power than the Nissan Rogue provides, and it can be felt when driving. It takes a second for the turbocharger to spool up, but when it does, the power comes on well in the middle of the powerband. There’s a nice surge that pushes you back in the seat.
So if you like having plenty of power and efficiency, the Santa Fe is the one to pick. We even averaged 29 mpg in it. We averaged 26 mpg in the Rogue after driving it for a week.
The Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Santa Fe have similar tech features
Both the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Santa Fe have similar tech features. There are large touchscreen infotainment systems, 12.3-inch digital dash displays, and premium audio systems to be found in each. To be honest, all of these features function similarly in both vehicles, but we like the easier-to-use infotainment system in the Santa Fe. The Nissan Rogue’s system isn’t hard to use, but its interface could use a little update.
2023 Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: Which car should you choose?
We liked the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe a little more than the Rogue, although it was a tough call. Both SUVs are priced similarly and come with similar features, so it’s up to the buyer in terms of overall preference. Either way, you can’t lose when driving either of these SUVs.
