The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Nissan Rogue are two recently redesigned mainstream midsize 2-row SUVs. Here’s how they compare.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Starting Price: $26,850 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: High-tech features; two gasoline engines plus two hybrid options; standard active-safety features; long warranty.
Below Average: Push-button gear selector; lack of any sporty version.
Consensus: The freshly updated 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe builds on the well-rounded model’s existing strengths with improved powertrains, more tech, and a fuel-sipping hybrid.
2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue Starting Price: $26,395 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Handsome new look; high-tech interior; standard active safety features; lots of luggage space.
Below Average: Only one powertrain option; engine noise; not particularly suited for off-road driving.
Consensus: Freshly redesigned, the 2021 Nissan Rogue boasts sharp new styling and enhanced active safety features. An upgraded cabin with impressive interior tech also helps make it more competitive.
Santa Fe vs. Rogue: Spunky 2-Row Crossovers
Hyundai Santa Fe
Updated for 2021, the Hyundai Santa Fe now has three available powertrains and an impressive roster of tech features. The two lower trims use a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and an 8-speed automatic with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Upper trims get a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 281 horsepower and similar fuel economy.
The efficiency champ is the new hybrid that returns 39 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. It’s available in the two middle trim grades.
Santa Fe has lots of room for people and cargo, and the interior has been upgraded — especially in the luxurious new Caligraphy trim. A solid roster of active safety features is included, particularly once you get beyond the base model. Lower grades are fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Wired smartphone mirroring is included on the 10.25-inch unit in higher grades.
Additional tech features include Hyundai’s impressive Highway Driving Assist automated lane-centering system, a live-camera Blind Spot View Monitor, a digital instrument cluster, and the ability to use your smartphone as a key.
Nissan Rogue
Redesigned for 2021, the Nissan Rogue now wears crisply pressed new sheet metal. Inside, the new top-spec Platinum wows with its digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen, available head-up display, and upscale finishes. Lesser trims are not as well equipped but include an 8-inch display, a roomy back seat, and plenty of luggage space.
The 2.5-liter engine has slightly more power with 181 horses and is again paired with a CVT. The duo can still drone under hard acceleration, and drivers looking for more grunt are out of luck because this is the only engine choice.
Fuel economy is 29 mpg with FWD and 28 with AWD (the base trim does 1 mpg better). While AWD is available, it promises only modest off-pavement capability.
The Rogue comes with an impressive list of active-safety features, all standard, and offers a sophisticated semi-automated driving feature as part of its Pro Pilot Assist package.
Similarities
Updated looks, sub-$30k starting points, solid tech.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Advantages
Available hybrid; long warranty; 3 years free scheduled maintenance.
2021 Nissan Rogue Advantages
Solid semi-automated driving features, ritzier top-trim interior.
Which One is Right for Me?
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe sports sharper looks, and powertrain choices that include a pair of hybrid options. Plus, you get a long warranty and three years’ free maintenance.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a big step up in design and interior quality. Upper trims have the look and feel of a luxury model.
Ready to buy a Hyundai Santa Fe or Nissan Rogue? Shop for one on sale now near you.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe2021 Nissan RoguePopular PowertrainsEngine2.5-liter I42.5-liter I4Horsepower191 hp @ 6,100 rpm181 hp @ 6,000 rpmTorque182 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm181 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpmTransmission8-spd automaticCVTFuel Economy25 mpg (22 city/29 hwy)30 mpg (27 city/35 hwy)Also Available2.5-liter turbo I4; hybrid; PHEV; AWDAWDSpecsBasic Warranty5 years/60,000 miles3 years/36,000 milesPowertrain Warranty10 years/100,000 miles5 years/60,000 milesNHTSA Overall Safety5 stars4 starsMax Seating Capacity55Wheelbase108.9 inches106.5 inchesOverall Length188.4 inches183.0 inchesWidth74.8 inches72.4 inchesHeight66.3 inches66.9 inchesTurning Diameter37.5 feet35.4 feetHeadroom, Front41.2 inches41.1 inchesHeadroom, Rear39.0 inches39.2 inchesLegroom, Front44.1 inches43.3 inchesLegroom, Rear41.7 inches36.8 inchesShoulder Room, Front59.1 inches57.1 inchesShoulder Room, Rear58.3 inches55.9 inchesEPA Passenger Volumen/a105.4 cubic feetEPA Cargo Volume36.4 cubic feet36.5 cubic feet
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