Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson: Here’s The Difference
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Comparing two similar vehicles is an important part of the buying process, and it’s hard to think of two vehicles that are more similar at first glance than the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Tucson. In fact, put these two vehicles side by side in the same color, and hide the logos, and it might be quite the challenge to tell the two of them apart.
When it comes to compact crossover SUVs, there is a lot of competition, so it’s no surprise that there are vehicles as similar as the Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson hitting the market. After all, both vehicles are pretty successful and popular with consumers. If a design isn’t causing problems and seems to be working, why change it?
Of course, as similar as these two crossover SUVs look on the surface, some big differences are worth considering, especially if either of these vehicles has already made the top of your shopping list.
Here’s what you need to know to decide which crossover SUV is right for you, Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson:
Price
When you’re looking at two vehicles as similar as these, it’s worth looking at the price as one of the first considerations. Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson have incredibly similar price points. For similar trim levels, you’re looking at a roughly $900 difference in starting MSRP, and both crossover SUVs have basically similar trim levels and feature upgrades.
That said, the Rogue is just a little more affordable than the Hyundai Tucson and also seems like a slightly better deal. There are a couple of reasons for us giving the edge to the Rogue, and it’s not just about the lower price.
For one thing, both vehicles offer similar features and functions on the base level. With the same benefits, it makes sense to go with the cheaper model.
It’s also worth noting that as the trim levels move up, the Rogue tends to be equivalent to one trim level higher on the Tucson.
Some of that is because the Tucson has a recent redesign, which means that Hyundai can afford to charge a little more for the most recent style choices and features, and performance advantages. But from a pure cost/advantage perspective, the Rogue looks like a better value and feels like a better value behind the wheel.
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Looks and Style
Normally style would be the last consideration we’d look at for two such similar crossover SUVs. But there’s a good reason for an exception in this case; both the Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson are considered some of the best-looking SUVs in their class.
In fact, some consumers and reviewers think that the Hyundai Tucson is the best-looking SUV in its class.
Honestly, it’s hard to call this category since the Rogue and Tucson are both marketing themselves based on a slightly swoopier, sportier, more aggressive-looking design for a modern SUV.
We will give a slight edge to the Tucson since it manages to have just a little bit more class in its boxy design, even though the Rogue is also designed to offer a lot of style in that boxy SUV body.
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Performance
Performance should always be the meat of any vehicle comparison since it’s going to make the biggest difference on your driving experience. Even more than the safety features included with each vehicle, performance quality and consistency are probably the most important things keeping you safe behind the driver’s wheel.
Like the other categories, this is another area where the Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson competition is incredibly close. Both vehicles use a 2.4-liter 4 cylinder engine, both have similar horsepower (though the Rogue has a slight edge over the Tucson).
The biggest difference is probably the transmission. The Tucson offers an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Rogue features a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Though, when it comes to how these vehicles actually drive on the road, the Rogue seems to make better use of its power and components than the Tucson. It’s just a little more responsive, a little more maneuverable, and a little more consistent in different driving conditions.
That said, the Tucson feels like a weightier machine and has a slightly more tactile and satisfying steering performance. So, while its actual performance might not be better than the Rogue, it might feel like a better drive – which is no small advantage.
Interior Features
In terms of in-cabin features, Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson is another close matchup. These vehicles have a similar touchscreen display, similar infotainment features, similar usability, and even similar ease of use functions to help keep your eyes on the road when you’re driving.
However, the competition really comes down to one critical comparison, the UI on each vehicle. For most users, the recent Hyundai redesign gives Tucson an edge here. Its infotainment UI is easier to use, faster, and a little more intuitive than Nissan, which means there’s less of a learning curve on the Hyundai design.
Safety and Driver Features
Safety features are getting a lot more attention in the modern market as people are looking for cars that have more adaptive features and more drivers assists that help avoid accidents and keep accidents safer.
While both vehicles offer similar features with similar feature ratings, we’re going to give this category to the Rogue because it starts offering its most advanced safety features faster and at a lower trim level than the Tucson.
If safety is your primary concern, the Rogue is the more affordable and safer option.
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So, Which Crossover SUV Performs Better Nissan Rogue vs. Hyundai Tucson
Despite their surface similarities, getting into the details makes it clear that the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Tucson are designed for slightly different kinds of drivers.
The Rogue offers more automated features, safety features, and a smoother, more consistent ride. That makes it a great option for someone who is looking for a smooth consistency and a reliable daily driver.
But the Tucson still has a grittier, more down to pavement feel, despite having a lot of similar specs and features to the Rogue. The Rogue might be great for drivers who are looking for safety and consistency, but the Tucson is likely to be more popular with drivers who really love to drive.
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