2018 Kia Sportage vs 2018 Nissan Rogue

The public data splits evenly; the trim-level specs decide it.

2018 Kia Sportage

The 2018 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sportage FE FWD, is EPA-rated at…

2018 Nissan Rogue

The 2018 Nissan Rogue is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Rogue Hybrid FWD, is…

	2018 Kia Sportage	2018 Nissan Rogue
Segment	Compact SUV	Compact SUV
Powertrains	Gas	Hybrid, Gas
Best combined mpg	26	34
Safety Signal	55	73
NHTSA recalls	3	4
Critical recalls	3	0
Owner complaints	162	759
NHTSA overall stars	5	4

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Sportage

!critical

Trailer Hitches

SC249

Park outside70,887 vehicles

ProblemKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.RiskA fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.FixOwners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

NHTSA campaign 22V703000reported Sep 19, 2022Kia America, Inc.

!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

SC206

Park outside379,931 vehicles

ProblemKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.RiskAn engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.FixOwners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

NHTSA campaign 21V137000reported Mar 4, 2021Kia Motors America

!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

SC172

71,653 vehicles

ProblemKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.FixKia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000reported Dec 19, 2018Kia Motors America

Rogue

▲high

Electrical System

R22C8

712,458 vehicles

ProblemNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.RiskDriver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as intended, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

NHTSA campaign 23V093000reported Feb 16, 2023Nissan North America, Inc.

▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

R22A6

5,904 vehiclesHybrid only

ProblemNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid vehicles. The hydraulic brake booster assembly may overheat internally, resulting in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."RiskA loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the hydraulic brake booster supply unit, free of charge. Interim Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. A second letter will be mailed October 31, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A6.

NHTSA campaign 22V549000reported Jul 28, 2022Nissan North America, Inc.

▲high

Hybrid Propulsion System

R21B6

5,905 vehicles

ProblemNissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid vehicles. Contact with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) bracket may damage the engine harness, causing a blown fuse.RiskA blown fuse may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will install a harness protector cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21B6.

NHTSA campaign 21V839000reported Oct 26, 2021Nissan North America, Inc.