In today’s Showdown, we’re looking at two leading small crossovers, the Nissan Rogue and the Kia Sorento. These two are direct competitors, both offering a third row, all-wheel drive, family-friendliness, and solid value. The winner of this comparison will go on to face off with another popular seller in this segment in an upcoming Showdown.
Fast VS Facts
| Contenders: | 2015 Nissan Rogue | 2015 Kia Sorento |
| City/Hwy MPG: | 26/33 | 20/27 |
| Base Price: | $23,040 | $24,300 |
| Strong Point: | Very fuel efficient | Family ergonomics |
| Weakness: | Somewhat soft suspension | Boring exterior |
| Showdown Score: | 18 | 17 |
Daily Use Ergonomics
Rogue: 4 | Sorento: 4
A close tie on this one. The Rogue has a great interior, extremely comfortable seating, and a wonderful build for getting in and out easily. The Sorento has a great ride, high-value interior layout, and solid ergonomics for daily use. Both are an excellent choice. The Sorento has a slightly larger interior, but is not as nimble in the parking lot as is the Rogue.
Family Friendliness
Rogue: 4 | Sorento: 5
The Sorento is slightly larger than the Rogue and this pays off when it comes to family-oriented use. This means the second row is easily able to accommodate up to three without much cramping, whereas in the Rogue they are a bit tight. The third row in both vehicles is really only for children, but the cargo space in the Sorento is a bit easier to use with bulky or odd items. For those reasons, we give this one to the Sorento.
Ride Comfort
Rogue: 5 | Sorento: 4
On this metric, the win goes to the Rogue, largely due to its beautiful Zero Gravity seating and slightly softer ride. The Sorento has some great adjustment options in the upper trims, but the Rogue outdoes it at the base and middle levels of trim. On the highway and during long stints, the Rogue is superior.
Powertrain Options
Rogue: 5 | Sorento: 4
Here the win nearly goes to the Sorento. It’s offered with both a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder engine whereas the Rogue has only a four-cylinder available. On the other hand, the Rogue is far superior in fuel economy and in this segment, MPG trumps sportiness for most buyers. The Rogue’s four-cylinder is not without its merits on the road as well, being well-suited to the little crossover’s needs. For those looking for a bit more power, some towing capability, and a faster freeway merge, though, the Sorento’s V6 is well worth the money to upgrade.
Final Assessments
This was a close race. Both the Rogue and the Sorento are great crossovers with a lot to offer in terms of value, ergonomics, and overall excellence. In the end, however, the superior fuel economy and interior comfort of the Rogue win out and it takes the win in this week’s Showdown.
To read the individual reviews of the Showdown contenders, links are below for your convenience.
