2021 Hyundai Tucson vs Nissan Rogue

Two-row SUVs have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their size, versatility and capability. Popular options like the 2021 Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue provide excellent options if anyone's in the market for a two-row vehicle at an affordable price point with modern technology.

The Powertrain

The Hyundai Tucson is the ultimate choice for those who desire engine variety, offering a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with generous 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque or an upgraded 2.4 liter that churns out 181 horses and 175 lb.-ft. For similar power specs within one brand, Nissan Rogue provides comparable performance from its single option - its dependable 2.5 Liter four cylinder delivering 181 HP and at least as much might in terms of torque at 180 lb.-ft.

All Rogue and Tucson models come with the option for all-wheel drive, or front wheel drive if available. These systems work similarly; they detect when traction is low and redirect power to those wheels that need it most, preventing front wheels from spinning aimlessly without making meaningful contact with road or trail surface.

For optimal performance in challenging conditions, Nissan Rogue drivers can choose Snow and Off-Road modes. (These are only available if your SUV has all-wheel drive.) Additionally, Eco and Sport modes are available on both models; Normal, Eco and Sport are the other three choices. With either model, selecting Sport mode will increase engine responsiveness and acceleration while Eco mode will save gas while providing fuel economy savings.

With its smaller engine and front-wheel drive, the Hyundai Tucson can achieve an estimated 23/28 (city/highway) miles per gallon. All-wheel drive results in slightly lower efficiency at 22/25 mpg. With the larger engine installed, front-wheel Tucsons can achieve 22/28 miles per gallon while all-wheel Tucsons earn 21/26 miles per gallon - providing great fuel economy even when using more powerful engines. It's nice that there isn't a huge dropoff when running on higher displacement models of this popular vehicle.

The Nissan Rogue will appeal to consumers who are concerned with fuel economy. A front-wheel Rogue can achieve up to 27/35 (city/highway) miles per gallon, while an all-wheel version of the SUV has been estimated at 26/33 mpg.

Nissan chose to equip their Rogue SUV with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). This gives it a smooth drive and manual mode and paddle shifters for added control over shifting. Hyundai Tucson owners also get something similar called SHIFTRONIC which enables drivers to manually shift whenever desired; plus, Tucson uses six-speed automatic gearing too!

Drivability

Most drivers would be satisfied with how the Tucson and Rogue handle themselves. While they're not the fastest vehicles on the market, these SUVs can handle most situations that an average driver might come across. Perfect for commuting, road trips, and off-paved paths alike; all-wheel drive is recommended if anyone lives in cold climates or frequently deals with dirt roads and slippery surfaces.

Parking either vehicle should be a breeze. While they aren't the smallest SUVs available, these SUVs aren't so large that they would struggle in tight quarters. The Tucson measures 176.4 inches long and 72.8 inches wide while the Rogue measures 183 inches long and 72.4 inches across.

Inside the cabin of the Tucson, leg room is generous - 41.5 inches in the front and 38.2 inches for second row passengers, respectively; by comparison, Rogue only provides 43.3 and 38.5 inches respectively in its first and second rows. As expected, both models offer ample room up front; additionally, taller passengers will find plenty of leg room in the back seat as well; three people could comfortably sit together there too.

Cargo room is always going to be of paramount importance in an SUV. After all, many people purchase these vehicles primarily due to their cargo capacities. The Hyundai Tucson offers 31 cubic feet behind its seating area which can be expanded up to nearly 62 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. On the other hand, Nissan Rogue does even better in this department with 36.5 cubic feet in back and when folded down its maximum cargo capacity is just over 74 cubic feet - giving buyers of SUVs a difference of over ten cubic feet which could be significant when loading up their SUVs with sports equipment, bulky items or other gear.

Other than space, other factors can impact the driving experience. Anyone who's recently tested out new vehicles will know that technology plays a major role in today's vehicles - something Hyundai and Nissan companies have worked hard to incorporate into their models.

The Hyundai Tucson is available with either a seven- or eight-inch touchscreen display. The base trim comes standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth; on the second trim up you get HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio as well as Blue Link Connected Car System support. On Sport trim level the Tucson gains wireless charging and Infinity Audio system; finally on Ultimate which is the top of the line model it features an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation for ultimate ease.

With the Nissan Rogue, you can stay connected on-the-go with an eight or nine inch touchscreen infotainment system and a host of other features such as Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree convenience, leading streaming services powered by Android AutoTM , SiriusXM Satellite Radio plus turn your vehicle into a Wi-Fi hotspot! For those who want extra luxury they upgrade to Platinum trim gets them integrated navigation with head up display wireless charging plus incredible sound courtesy of Bose premium audio.

Safety

Technology not only keeps people entertained and connected while traveling, it can also keep them safe. In recent years, more vehicles have started incorporating driver-assist technology into their safety packages. This type of safety feature is highly advanced as it continuously checks for potential issues and sends out warnings or corrective measures if necessary. Knowing that one's vehicle is actively protecting them from danger can be incredibly reassuring.

Hyundai has included several driver-assist systems in its base model of Tucson SUV, starting with driver attention warning, lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance assist. This last system can monitor a situation as well as apply pressure to brakes if it is necessary in order to prevent an accident. Furthermore, higher trims can detect pedestrians as well as vehicles approaching quickly from behind. All trims include blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert while top two models boast 360 degree cameras for 360-degree coverage.

The base model of the Nissan Rogue features intelligent forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. It also has lane departure warning so drivers are alerted when they accidentally drift out of their lane. Furthermore, standard features on this version include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a rear sonar system for parking assistance, and rear automatic braking - all designed to greatly reduce the chance that drivers would back into another car or change lanes at an inappropriate time.

Other trims of the Rogue have blind spot intervention to gently correct steering if necessary, and 360-degree monitors for added peace of mind. Furthermore, the top three models boast ProPILOT Assist - similar to adaptive cruise control but for SUVs. With this feature, drivers can adjust their speed if a vehicle in front has slowed down for whatever reason, and make minor lane corrections as needed. Furthermore, certain models of Rogue boast "reading" traffic signs so people are alerted when something important such as yield signs, road work or lower speed limits may come up ahead.

Which Has the Best Value?

The Hyundai SE trim (the base model) costs $23,700 while the S trim of the Nissan Rogue costs $25,750. With this extra money, customers get several more safety systems as well as other trims like Value ($25,150), SEL ($26,100), Sport ($28,250) and Limited ($29,400) from Hyundai; ultimately ending with Ultimate at $32,050). Note that with the Tucson SEL you get the 2.4-liter engine instead of 2.0 liter; for this extra money customers receive several other trim levels too - Value ($25,150); Sport ($28,250); Limited ($29,400); or Ultimate ($32,050) from Hyundai Tucson.)

For the Nissan Rogue, mid-level options include the SV ($27,44) and SL ($32,100). The most sophisticated trim available is Platinum at $35,530; although this cost may seem steep at first glance, this trim boasts all of the technology mentioned above as well as leather seats, dual panel panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats - making it a worthwhile investment!

On the top-level Ultimate trim, customers will enjoy heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Apart from minor differences between them, both models offer similar features.

Which Is Better?

Both these SUVs are well-crafted, reliable, and safe. Their lower trims begin at very reasonable prices so they may appeal to budget-conscious customers. On the other hand, the higher trims of both Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue feature many upscale elements which will give them a feeling of luxury.

When selecting between the Rogue and Tucson models, price will likely be the main factor. Firstly, the Rogue is slightly pricier than its rival; however, it has a superior safety package and, aside from not having standard Apple CarPlay, could be considered to have a more comprehensive technology suite. On the other hand, the Tucson really comes close with its infotainment system; some iPhone users may prefer something with Apple CarPlay support.

Performance-wise, both SUVs are in similar territory. The Rogue's engine is slightly more powerful than that of the Tucson's, though lower trims may appear unimpressive due to their small engines. Furthermore, the Rogue is more energy-efficient and boasts more interior space.

In many respects, the Nissan Rogue comes out on top; however, price and personal preferences should also be taken into consideration when people make their final decisions.