There are about 15 vehicles in the compact SUV category. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, but some of them manage to do well when compared to their rivals. This is mainly because they offer that difference that appeals to every consumer.
That's the case with the Kia Sportage, which, compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue, always manages to stand out. The few elements prove it.
The style
Nissan has revised the styling of its Rogue for 2021, but on the road, you won't really notice it from the other products in the category. It's pretty, but it doesn't grab your attention. The opposite is true with the Sportage, which has a very eye-catching and distinctive design. The front end, for example, with its unique headlight clusters, distinctive grille, and pointed snout, is still in the mix even though the current generation is in its fifth year on the market. The same is true of the rear, where elegance and boldness go hand in hand.
Two engines
The Rogue comes with a single engine, a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder offering 181 horsepower and the same amount of torque. Kia offers a similar engine, a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder that's good for 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque.
However, where the Korean model stands out is that it can receive (SX version) a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that peaks at 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This adds an important touch of dynamism to the performance.
Dynamism
Let's talk about dynamism. Whether it's the SX or any other version, the Sportage's driving experience is much sportier than the Rogue's, whose main mission is not to deliver thrills. At Kia, we like to combine all the qualities that people are looking for in an SUV (comfort, space, safety, etc.) with an interesting driving experience behind the wheel.
One should not prevent the other.
That's why Kia always uses a traditional six-speed automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable transmission.
There are a lot of little details, but all in all, the Kia Sportage is a lot more fun to drive.
