Head-to-head Comparison: Nissan Rogue Vs Kia Telluride – Which Suv Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of midsize SUVs, the Nissan Rogue and Kia Telluride stand out as two of the most popular choices among discerning drivers. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and performance, making them ideal for families and adventure-seekers alike. However, choosing between these two exceptional SUVs can be a daunting task, given their similarities and unique strengths. This comprehensive comparison aims to shed light on the key differences between the Nissan Rogue and Kia Telluride, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Performance and Efficiency: Unleashing Power and Economy

1. Engine Options and Powertrains:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers two engine options – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 248 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and available all-wheel drive (AWD).
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride boasts a single engine option – a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with AWD.

2. Fuel Economy and Real-World Performance:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s fuel economy ratings vary depending on the engine choice and drivetrain configuration. With the base engine and FWD, it achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway. Opting for the turbocharged engine and AWD slightly reduces efficiency to 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride’s V6 engine and AWD system result in slightly lower fuel economy compared to the Rogue. It is rated at 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway by the EPA. However, its larger engine provides more power and torque, resulting in better acceleration and towing capabilities.

Interior Space and Comfort: Embracing Roominess and Refinement

1. Passenger and Cargo Capacity:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers seating for five passengers in its standard configuration. However, it can be equipped with an optional third row, increasing its seating capacity to seven. The Rogue provides 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 70 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride boasts a spacious three-row cabin, comfortably accommodating up to eight passengers. It offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 87 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

2. Interior Features and Amenities:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s interior is well-equipped with standard features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer premium features like leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride’s interior exudes luxury and sophistication. Standard features include a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a host of driver assistance technologies. Upper trims add ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a surround-view camera system.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features: Prioritizing Protection and Confidence

1. Standard Safety Features:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride also offers an impressive array of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.

2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue can be equipped with additional ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and traffic sign recognition.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride offers a wider range of ADAS features, including highway driving assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot view monitor.

Off-Road Capabilities: Embarking on Adventures

1. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue’s AWD system features an intelligent torque distribution system that automatically sends power to the wheels with the most traction, enhancing handling and stability in slippery conditions.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride’s AWD system is more advanced, with a locking center differential and a terrain management system that optimizes traction and performance on various surfaces, including snow, sand, and mud.

2. Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches and approach and departure angles of 18.5 and 25.1 degrees, respectively.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride boasts a higher ground clearance of 8.4 inches and more generous approach and departure angles of 18.2 and 26.6 degrees, respectively, making it more capable in off-road situations.

Pricing and Value Proposition: Assessing Cost and Benefits

1. Starting Prices and Trim Levels:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue has a starting price of $27,450 for the base S trim. It is available in four trim levels, with the top-of-the-line Platinum trim starting at $36,850.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride has a slightly higher starting price of $33,090 for the LX trim. It offers five trim levels, with the range-topping SX Prestige trim starting at $45,290.

2. Features and Value Comparison:

• Nissan Rogue: The Rogue offers a competitive value proposition, with a well-equipped base trim and a variety of features available at a lower price point compared to the Telluride.
• Kia Telluride: The Telluride provides a more luxurious and feature-rich experience, with a spacious cabin, a more powerful engine, and a wider range of ADAS features. However, it comes at a higher cost.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the Choice Between Two Exceptional SUVs

Choosing between the Nissan Rogue and Kia Telluride ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and a compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue is an excellent choice. However, if you seek a spacious three-row SUV with a powerful engine, luxurious amenities, and advanced safety features, the Kia Telluride is a compelling option. Both vehicles offer exceptional value and performance, making them worthy contenders in the midsize SUV segment.

What You Need to Learn

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue or Kia Telluride?

• The Nissan Rogue offers better fuel economy than the Kia Telluride, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway compared to the Telluride’s 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

2. Which SUV has more cargo space, the Nissan Rogue or Kia Telluride?

• The Kia Telluride offers significantly more cargo space than the Nissan Rogue, with 87 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows folded down compared to the Rogue’s 70 cubic feet.

3. Which SUV has more advanced safety features, the Nissan Rogue or Kia Telluride?

• The Kia Telluride offers a wider range of advanced safety features than the Nissan Rogue, including highway driving assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot view monitor.

4. Which SUV has a better warranty, the Nissan Rogue or Kia Telluride?

• Both the Nissan Rogue and Kia Telluride offer competitive warranties, with the Rogue providing a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Telluride offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

5. Which SUV is more reliable, the Nissan Rogue or Kia Telluride?

• Both the Nissan Rogue and Kia Telluride have a good reputation for reliability, with the Rogue receiving slightly higher ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.