2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Nissan Rogue

$27,390 · Crossover

$29,090 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable distinction between the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Nissan Rogue is fuel economy, where the Rogue achieves 32 MPG combined compared to the Sportage's 28 MPG combined, a measurable advantage of 4 MPG. The Rogue also leads in performance metrics, generating 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque versus the Sportage's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Sportage undercuts the Rogue on price significantly, starting at an MSRP of $27,390 against the Rogue's $29,090. This price difference is juxtaposed against cargo volume, where the Sportage offers substantially more space at 39.6 cubic feet versus the Rogue's 31.6 cubic feet. While both vehicles share the same front-wheel-drive configuration, the difference in purchase price and cargo capacity strongly influences overall consumer value calculations against the Rogue's powertrain and efficiency superiority.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Rogue

The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 32 MPG compared to the Sportage's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is better for families by offering 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Rogue's 31.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Nissan Rogue

The 2026 Nissan Rogue appeals more to enthusiasts as it produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, metrics superior to the Sportage's 187 hp and 178 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage presents better value, starting $1,700 lower in MSRP while providing substantially more usable cargo space.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

Budget is the primary concern, given the Sportage's lower entry MSRP of $27,390.
Maximum hauling capacity is necessary, as the Sportage provides 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over a CVT.

Choose the Nissan Rogue if...

Minimizing fuel stops is crucial, based on the Rogue's 32 MPG combined rating.
Higher engine output is desired, as the Rogue generates 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
A slightly taller stance is beneficial, evidenced by the Rogue's 66.5-inch height compared to the Sportage's 65.4 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	29/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	32 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	420.5/522.0 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	235/65R17
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage and 2026 Nissan Rogue.

Which crossover offers better acceleration capabilities?

The 2026 Nissan Rogue is definitively quicker, boasting 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outweighs the 2025 Kia Sportage's output of 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

How significant is the difference in passenger comfort dimensions?

While both are similarly sized crossovers, the Rogue is 4.1 inches taller at 66.5 inches, which may translate to slightly more headroom than the Sportage's 65.4-inch height.

If I drive primarily on the highway, which vehicle is more cost-effective?

The 2026 Nissan Rogue provides greater highway efficiency at 36 MPG compared to the Kia Sportage's 32 MPG highway rating, leading to fewer trips to the pump.

What is the total dollar difference between the base models?

The 2025 Kia Sportage has a lower starting MSRP of $27,390, meaning it is $1,700 less expensive upfront than the 2026 Nissan Rogue's starting price of $29,090.

Does the smaller size of the Rogue affect its interior utility?

Yes, the difference in cargo capacity is notable; the Sportage offers 39.6 cubic feet, whereas the Rogue manages only 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.