2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Nissan Rogue

$27,390 · Crossover

$28,590 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2025 Nissan Rogue often boils down to prioritizing efficiency versus outright power. If your daily drive involves serious mileage, that 5 MPG combined fuel economy advantage held by the Rogue (33 MPG combined versus the Sportage's 28 MPG) is significant over a year. However, the Sportage is the more affordable entry point with an MSRP starting at $27,390 compared to the Rogue's $28,590. Performance seekers will notice the Rogue offers more grunt with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, outclassing the Sportage’s 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. Despite the power difference, the Sportage maximizes vertical space, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft. Finding the right balance between running costs and hauling ability is key here.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Rogue

The 2025 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG combined versus the Sportage’s 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is better for families needing maximum storage, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Rogue

Enthusiasts will favor the Rogue for its more robust powertrain, generating 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage offers better initial value with a lower starting MSRP of $27,390.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You need the absolute best utility, as the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Keeping the initial purchase price down is important, given its $27,390 MSRP.
You prefer the responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Nissan Rogue if...

Minimizing fuel stops is a priority, thanks to its leading 33 MPG combined rating.
You want quicker acceleration from the stronger 201 hp engine.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Rogue sits higher at 66.5 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Nissan Rogue
Length	183.5"	183.0"
Width	73.4"	72.4"
Height	65.4"	66.5"
Wheelbase	108.5"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	201 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/32 MPG	30/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	435.0/536.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	54.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P235/65R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage and 2025 Nissan Rogue.

Which vehicle is better for long highway trips regarding fuel costs?

The 2025 Nissan Rogue is generally better for long trips because it delivers 5 MPG more combined efficiency than the Sportage. The Rogue achieves 32 MPG on the highway, whereas the Sportage manages 32 MPG highway, meaning the Rogue will cost less over many miles.

Does the difference in cargo space significantly impact usability?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Kia Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is over 8 cubic feet more than the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft. This extra volume in the Sportage means more room for luggage or larger grocery hauls.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Rogue compared to the Sportage?

The Rogue has a clear performance advantage, generating 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Sportage’s 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. This power boost might be noticeable when passing or merging onto busy freeways.

Is the CVT transmission in the Rogue a drawback compared to the Sportage's automatic?

This is subjective; the Rogue uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency. The Sportage uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which some drivers prefer for a more conventional feel during acceleration.

Which crossover is easier on the wallet upfront?

The 2025 Kia Sportage starts cheaper, with an MSRP of $27,390, giving it a $1,200 initial cost advantage over the 2025 Nissan Rogue's $28,590 starting price.

Are both cars identical in size externally?

They are similar in length, with the Sportage being slightly longer at 183.5 inches versus the Rogue’s 183.0 inches, but the Rogue is slightly taller (66.5 inches vs. 65.4 inches).