The Quick Answer
- Rogue wins on power and mpg: 201 hp and 225 lb-ft versus 187 and 178, and 30 mpg combined with FWD versus 28 (29 versus 26 with AWD).
- Sportage wins on price: $28,990 versus $29,690 to start, and $30,790 versus $31,090 with AWD.
- Sportage wins on room and towing: 41.3 in. of rear legroom versus 38.5, 39.6 cu ft behind the rear seat versus 31.6, and 2,500 lbs of towing versus 1,500.
- Hybrids: the Sportage Hybrid is on sale now with EPA ratings up to 41 mpg. Nissan's new Rogue Hybrid arrives in limited numbers in November 2026, with Nissan-estimated ratings of 37 to 38 mpg and standard AWD.
- Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles on the Sportage powertrain versus 5 years/60,000 miles for the Rogue.
Sportage vs. Rogue: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sportage | 2027 Nissan Rogue | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,990 (LX FWD) | $29,690 (S FWD) |
| AWD from | $30,790 (LX AWD) | $31,090 (S AWD) |
| Top trim | $39,890 (X-Pro Prestige) | $39,790 (Platinum AWD) |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder, 187 hp / 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic | 1.5L turbo 3-cylinder, 201 hp / 225 lb-ft, CVT |
| Combined mpg | 28 FWD; 26 AWD (EPA) | 30 FWD; 29 AWD (Nissan's EPA estimates) |
| Max towing | 2,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Rear legroom | 41.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft | 31.6 / 74.1 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in. FWD; 8.3 in. AWD | 8.2 in. |
| Standard touchscreen | 12.3 in. | 8 in. (12.3 in. on Platinum) |
| Length | 184.4 in. | 184.4 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,575 |
2027 Sportage data from Kia; 2027 Rogue data from Nissan's September 2026 press kit, as of October 2026. Rogue fuel economy figures are Nissan's EPA estimates and were not yet listed on fueleconomy.gov. MSRP excludes destination.
Price and Value
The Sportage starts $700 below the Rogue with FWD and $300 below with AWD, and Kia's destination charge is $80 lower. Every Sportage has a 12.3-in. touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; most Rogue trims have an 8-in. screen, with a 12.3-in. screen on the Platinum.
Nissan includes blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert on every Rogue; the Sportage adds blind-spot warning on the EX ($30,790 FWD). At the top, the Rogue Platinum ($39,790) and Sportage X-Pro Prestige ($39,890) are priced within $100.
Power and Fuel Economy
The Rogue's 1.5L turbo three-cylinder makes 14 more horsepower and 47 more lb-ft of torque than the Sportage's 2.5L, and its turbo holds its power better at altitude. It's also more efficient: Nissan rates the 2027 Rogue at 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 with AWD, versus 28 and 26 for the Sportage.
If mileage is the priority, the Sportage Hybrid closes the gap and then some: 232 hp and EPA ratings of 41 mpg FWD and 35 AWD.
Hybrid vs. Hybrid: Sportage Hybrid and the New Rogue Hybrid
Nissan's all-new 2027 Rogue Hybrid uses e-POWER: the gas engine only charges the battery, and electric motors drive all four wheels. The first trim arrives in limited numbers in November 2026, with the rest in early 2027.
| 2027 Sportage Hybrid | 2027 Rogue Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $30,590 FWD; $32,890 AWD | $35,490 (AWD standard) |
| System output | 232 hp / 271 lb-ft | 225 hp |
| Combined mpg | 41 FWD; 35 AWD (EPA) | 37–38 (Nissan estimate, not yet EPA-rated) |
| Max towing | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Rear legroom | 41.3 in. | 36.2 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 39.5 / 73.7 cu ft | 31.1 / 65.9 cu ft |
| On sale | Now | November 2026 (launch trim); other trims early 2027 |
Rogue Hybrid data from Nissan's 2027 Rogue Hybrid press kit. Nissan labels its fuel economy a target based on internal testing, subject to EPA confirmation.
The Rogue Hybrid's standard AWD and expected mileage are strong, but it costs $2,600 more than a Sportage Hybrid S AWD and has much less rear legroom and cargo space.
Plug-In Hybrids
The 2026 Rogue Plug-in Hybrid ($45,990) is a different kind of vehicle: a three-row, seven-seat SUV with 38 miles of EPA-rated electric range. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid ($40,590) seats five, costs $5,400 less, tows 2,000 lbs versus 1,500 and drives about 34 miles on electricity (Kia est.). If you need a third row, compare the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
Space, Towing and Colorado Driving
- Rear seat: the Sportage has 2.8 in. more rear legroom than the gas Rogue and 5.1 in. more than the Rogue Hybrid.
- Cargo: max cargo ties at 74.1 cu ft, but the Sportage has 8 cu ft more behind the rear seat, where you use it most.
- Towing: 2,500 lbs for the gas Sportage versus 1,500 lbs for every Rogue.
- Clearance: the Rogue sits at 8.2 in. on every trim; an AWD Sportage has 8.3 in., a FWD Sportage 7.1 in.
- Altitude: the Rogue's turbo loses less power on I-70 climbs than the Sportage's non-turbo 2.5L. The Sportage Hybrid's turbo system is the better match if you drive the mountains often.
Warranty
Kia covers the Sportage for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner, plus 10 years/100,000 miles on hybrid batteries. Nissan covers the Rogue for 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles.
Where the Rogue Wins
An honest comparison names the Nissan's advantages:
- More power and torque from its turbo engine.
- Better fuel economy than the gas Sportage: 30 vs. 28 mpg FWD and 29 vs. 26 AWD (Nissan's EPA estimates).
- More ground clearance than a FWD Sportage (8.2 vs. 7.1 in.).
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert on every trim.
- A three-row plug-in hybrid with 38 miles of electric range, and a new hybrid with standard AWD.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sportage if…
You want the lower price, more rear-seat and cargo room, 2,500 lbs of towing, a hybrid you can buy today or the longer warranty.
Choose the Rogue if…
Power and gas-model mileage matter most, or you want a plug-in hybrid with a third row.
Compare the Sportage at Emich Kia
We stock the Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid in FWD and AWD. Bring your Rogue quote and we'll compare equipment line by line.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Sportage vs. Rogue: FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage bigger than the Nissan Rogue?
They're the same length, 184.4 inches. The Sportage has more rear legroom (41.3 vs. 38.5 inches) and more cargo space behind the rear seat (39.6 vs. 31.6 cubic feet). Maximum cargo is the same at 74.1 cubic feet.
Which is cheaper, the Sportage or the Rogue?
The Sportage. It starts at $28,990 versus $29,690 for the Rogue, and at $30,790 versus $31,090 with AWD.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Among gas models, the Rogue: Nissan's EPA estimates are 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 with AWD, versus 28 and 26 for the Sportage. The Sportage Hybrid beats both at up to 41 mpg.
Is there a Nissan Rogue Hybrid?
Yes, an all-new 2027 Rogue Hybrid with standard AWD arrives in limited numbers in November 2026, from $35,490. Nissan estimates 37 to 38 mpg combined, pending EPA ratings. The Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590 and is on sale now.
How much can the Sportage and Rogue tow?
The gas Sportage tows up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes, and the Sportage Hybrid 2,000. Every Rogue, including the hybrid and plug-in hybrid, tows 1,500 lbs.
Which has the better warranty?
The Sportage: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, versus 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles for the Rogue.
Drive the 2027 Sportage
Shop gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sportage models at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the Rogue.
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