2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Nissan Rogue lies in fuel economy, where the Rogue achieves 32 combined MPG compared to the Sportage’s 28 combined MPG, a 4 MPG advantage. Power output heavily favors the Rogue, which produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Sportage’s 187 hp and 178 lb-ft. Conversely, the Sportage undercuts the Rogue on base pricing by $400, listing at $28,690 versus the Rogue’s $29,090 MSRP. Dimensionally, the Sportage is longer at 184.4 inches versus the Rogue’s 183.0 inches, but the Rogue is slightly taller at 66.5 inches compared to 65.4 inches. Furthermore, the Sportage offers substantially more cargo volume, providing 39.6 cu ft, dwarfing the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft capacity, presenting a trade-off between efficiency and utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior 32 combined MPG rating versus the Sportage's 28 combined MPG.
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage is better for families because it offers a larger 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Rogue’s 31.6 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher figures than the Sportage's output.
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage provides better immediate value with a lower MSRP of $28,690, undercutting the Rogue by $400.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You prioritize maximum cargo space, as the Sportage offers 39.6 cubic feet.
- You prefer the traditional feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You need the absolute lowest initial purchase price at $28,690.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Rogue's 32 combined MPG rating.
- You desire stronger acceleration backed by 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the slightly taller stature of 66.5 inches for perceived road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.4" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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) | 25/33 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/471.9 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Kia Sportage and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
How much better is the fuel economy in the Nissan Rogue compared to the Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue achieves 32 combined MPG, offering a 4 MPG advantage over the 2026 Kia Sportage, which is rated at 28 combined MPG. This translates to measurable savings over extended ownership periods.
Which vehicle has superior performance metrics, horsepower, and torque?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the more powerful option, generating 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Kia Sportage lags with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Does the base MSRP differ significantly between these two crossovers?
Yes, the difference is $400 at the base level; the 2026 Kia Sportage starts at $28,690, whereas the 2026 Nissan Rogue is priced at $29,090.
Which vehicle offers more space for luggage and gear?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 39.6 cu ft. The 2026 Nissan Rogue provides notably less room with 31.6 cu ft.
Are the transmissions the same between the 2026 Sportage and the 2026 Rogue?
No, the drivetrains differ; the Sportage utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Rogue uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two models?
The Sportage is slightly longer at 184.4 inches versus the Rogue's 183.0 inches, but the Rogue sits taller at 66.5 inches compared to the Sportage's 65.4 inches.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool