2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Nissan Rogue

Are you in the market for a two-row mid-sized SUV? The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Rogue are both fantastic options that won't break your budget. When it comes to performance, convenience features and cabin space, these vehicles offer tremendous value - plus their powerful engines make them even more appealing! But which model should you choose? To help customers decide between this dream duo of SUVs, we've gone into detail about how they measure up against each other.

The Powertrain

The Nissan Rogue offers drivers a reliable and powerful 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque for an all around solid performance ride– but that's not to say driving can't also be fun! The standard continuous variable transmission comes complete with manual mode so those seeking some extra thrills can take advantage. For the more budget minded driver there is eco mode which conserves fuel while maintaining efficiency; or opt into sport mode if you're looking for something a little bit sharper in performance.

Power and performance come standard with Hyundai's Santa Fe lineup. Experience remarkable gains in capability across trims, from the four-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower to its turbocharged sibling offering 277 horsepower for an exciting ride wherever you go!

The Santa Fe offers a variety of transmission options, each with its own advantages – from the smooth shifting eight-speed automatic to SHIFTRONIC's manual gear selection. Plus, you can personalize your driving experience with multiple modes depending on whether efficiency or performance is priority!

All-wheel drive is an option on every trim of the Santa Fe and Rogue SUVs. Having all-wheel drive can be critical if people ever run into slippery conditions. Nissan has given its Rogues with AWD special driving modes to enhance performance in certain situations. Snow and off-road modes can be useful if things are particularly challenging.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers decent fuel economy with front-wheel drive models achieving up to 25 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. If you opt for a turbo engine, or all-wheel drivetrain, these numbers aren't far off. The Rogue really shines when it comes to saving money at the pump however; able attain 27/35 (city/highway) MPG - making this SUV an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their overall consumption of gas.

Drivability

Whether for casual driving or spirited performance, the Hyundai Santa Fe has something to offer everyone. The lower trims handle similarly to the ever-popular Rogue, while higher trims provide an extra kick with their turbo engine. For those behind the wheel who want a bit more pep in their ride or plan on taking it through its paces, this is definitely worth considering!

Climb into a Hyundai Santa Fe or Nissan Rogue SUV and feel the thrill of driving an agile sedan, but with added height for enhanced visibility. Experience exhilaration around every corner as these models offer greater ground clearance, raising you 7.3 inches off the road in a Santa Fe and 8.2 inches in a Rogue to explore your surroundings from new heights!

In terms of length, the Santa Fe is a bit bigger. It has an overall length of 188.4 inches, and the length of the Rogue is 183 inches. The Santa Fe is a few inches wider as well. Realistically, these minor differences would be difficult to notice without having a measuring tape nearby.

Leg room is really generous in the Hyundai SUV. It has 44.1 inches of leg room in the front and 41.7 inches of leg room in the back row. This is more than what one would find in many other models. Leg room in the first row of the Nissan SUV is 43.3 inches, so comfort shouldn't be a concern for anyone riding up front. In the Rogue's second row, leg room is 38.5 inches. This should be fine for most passenger, even on long road trips, but it's just not as spacious as what the Santa Fe offers.

The Santa Fe and Rogue offer impressively spacious cargo areas. The former can accommodate up to 72.1 cubic feet of luggage, equipment or supplies with the rear seats folded down for maximum capacity, making it just about as versatile as its counterpart - boasting a total volume of 36.5 cubic feet when all backseats are in their upright position, providing an extra 74.1 cubic feet should you need more storage space on your adventure.

Most modern drivers can benefit from the convenience of these advanced infotainment systems in their vehicles. With just a few taps and clicks, they will be able to make calls, text friends back without missing a beat, search for music or podcasts to keep them entertained on long drives - even check traffic conditions along their route so that there's minimal delay.

Experience the tech-savvy ride of a lifetime when you step into the Santa Fe, which offers an interactive touchscreen experience in sizes ranging from 8 to 10.25 inches with integrated navigation plus state-of-the art 12 speaker Harman Kardon sound systems. Plus stay fully connected on your journey through wireless charging, HD Radio and seamless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration via Bluetooth - all at your fingertips.

With the Nissan Rogue, you'll get a range of sophisticated tech features to keep you connected and entertained on the road. Enjoy your favorite music with SiriusXM Satellite Radio or stream it from any device using Bluetooth. For even more options, opt for higher trims featuring an upgraded nine-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation plus a Bose sound system that delivers immersive sound quality. And all models now come equipped with Wi-Fi capability so getting online has never been easier.

Safety

From traditional safety features to advanced driver-assist systems, modern vehicles are equipped with an array of safeguards designed to provide peace of mind while navigating potentially dangerous scenarios on the roads. With these technologies at their disposal drivers can confidently face unexpected obstacles knowing that they have additional assistance watching out for any potential issues and alerting them in time should a hazardous situation arise.

Every trim of the Hyundai Santa Fe has forward collision-avoidance assist, so basically there's a forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking. The system can sense the presence of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and it can do a very good job of preventing frontal collisions. Further, the SUV comes standard with lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention warning.

With both models, a rear view monitor is standard. 360-degree monitoring systems have been integrated into higher trims of the Santa Fe and Rogue, as is a head-up display. This display can project key information, such as the speed limit and any warnings, onto the windshield behind the steering wheel. It's not distracting at all, and it can remind people to stay alert.

More advanced features in these models can be quite impressive. The Rogue has rear automatic braking on every trim, and this prevents a lot of accidents resulting from drivers backing up without being able to see everything behind them. A parking assist feature uses sonar to let people know when they're getting too close to other objects. Finally, the Rogue can intervene if a driver is about to change lanes when a vehicle is in his/her blind spot.

The Hyundai Santa Fe also has parking distance warnings. In addition, it has mitigation programs that can prevent drivers from hitting vehicles in their blind spots and those crossing behind them while they're in reverse. Perhaps the Santa Fe's most modern system is Remote Smart Parking Assist. It's standard in the top-level trim, and it lets drivers park their SUVs by simply pushing a button. The vehicle can do all the hard work of steering and can even handle the braking. A driver doesn't even need to be in the cabin while this happens.

Which Has the Best Value?

Driving into the future starts with the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. From its sleek design to top of the line technology, you can find an option that works for your budget and needs - whether it be just starting out or going full throttle! The base SE & SEL trims feature a standard 2.5-liter engine at reasonably priced taglines between $26,850-$28,650 while higher end Limited ($38 600) and Calligraphy ($42 300) offer upgraded features such as turbo engines giving drivers those extra thrills they have been seeking in their drive no matter where life takes them next.

The Nissan Rogue has a range of trim levels to choose from, with the base model starting at $25,750. For drivers looking for more luxurious quality and features, intermediate trims SV ($27,440) and SL ($32,100) offer added value without breaking the bank. However if you're after an ultimate driving experience then look no further than their highest level Platinum edition - boasting extravagant exterior styling plus premium interior refinements all for just $35 530.

When looking at the base models of both trims, there's going to be many similarities. They have cloth seats, LED headlights, and all of the previously mentioned safety and entertainment features. Mid-level trims are going to have more amenities, such as power-adjustable seats in the front row, heated first-row seats, heated side mirrors, and smart entry systems. Towards the higher end of the respective lineups, the trims could have leather seats to add more luxury to the cabin.

The Rogue Platinum trim boasts high-end features such as a convenient motion-activated liftgate, indulgently warm heated rear and steering wheel seats. It is upholstered with luxurious quilted semi-aniline leather for the utmost comfort and style. The Santa Fe Calligraphy trim takes luxury to next level: sumptuous Nappa leather seating, an eco-suede microfiber headliner that adds refinement to your ride plus perforated leather wrapped on a heating/ventilated active front seat ensemble - all while keeping cozy in those invitingly warmed backseats!

Which is Better?

The Santa Fe may be more than the average buyer can handle - its higher trims boast increased capability and sophistication but come at a premium price. A step up in style comes with an equal hike of cost; those looking for top-tier luxury will have to pay up or look elsewhere!

When looking at the lower Santa Fe and Rogue trims, the battle is close. It's hard to say that one SUV would definitely be the better purchase, simply because they have about the same amount of space and capability, and they both have many nice interior amenities. The Santa Fe has more second-row leg room, but the Rogue has a greater maximum cargo capacity. The Rogue is also the more efficient SUV. The decision may come to little details like these.

For the adventurous driver seeking a thrill, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers an irresistible turbocharged engine. It promises a more sophisticated driving experience than that of its competitors. For those looking for practicality - if power isn't top priority–the Nissan Rogue is an ideal choice with all one needs to take on everyday errands and tasks in stride.