Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Tucson: Which SUV is Right for Texas Drivers?

When you're shopping for a new crossover, you'll likely come across two of the most popular options, which are the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson has a reputation for its futuristic design and surprisingly spacious interior, which gives it a premium feel that is hard to match. On the other hand, the Nissan Rogue is known for its excellent fuel economy and its comfortable ride, which makes it a great choice for long drives.

Both of these crossovers are a great fit for Texas drivers, but they have different strengths that can help accommodate different lifestyle needs. We’ll break down the key differences between these two vehicles, from what’s under the hood to their interior space and technology, so you can figure out which crossover is the better fit for your lifestyle.

Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Tucson Engines and Performance

When you're comparing the Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Tucson, a great place to start is with what’s under the hood. Both of these crossovers have very different ideas about what a great engine should be, which affects their performance on the road.

The Nissan Rogue's Turbocharged Engine

The Nissan Rogue has a standard 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder engine that is turbocharged. This engine is a bit smaller than the Tucson’s, but it provides a great feeling of power. It produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, which gives it a punchy and responsive feel. 

This smaller, turbocharged engine also gives the Rogue a slight edge in fuel economy. The EPA estimates the Rogue gets up to 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in its class.

The Hyundai Tucson's Standard Engine

The Hyundai Tucson takes a more traditional approach with its standard 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine. It has 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which gives it a more relaxed and comfortable feel on the road. For those who want more power and better fuel economy, the Hyundai Tucson is also available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options.

Towing Capacity

When it comes to towing capacity, the Hyundai Tucson has a slight advantage. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Nissan Rogue can tow up to 1,500 pounds. This is a key difference for anyone who plans to haul a small trailer or a boat. Both of these crossovers are also available with all-wheel drive (AWD), which gives you better traction and a smoother ride.

Space and Technology in the Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Tucson

When you get inside a Nissan Rogue or a Hyundai Tucson, you’ll immediately feel the difference. While they are both great crossovers, they have very different ideas about what a great interior should be.

Interior Design and Space

The Hyundai Tucson has a futuristic and very modern look on the inside. It has a clean and minimalist design that is focused on technology. It also has a bit more space, with more leg room in the rear seats and a total of 80.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. 

This is a huge advantage for anyone who needs to carry a lot of gear. The Nissan Rogue's interior is a bit more traditional, with a focus on comfort and high-quality materials. It has a comfortable feel, but it is not as spacious as the Tucson, with 74.1 cubic feet of total cargo space.

The Infotainment Systems

Both of these crossovers come with a great infotainment system. The Hyundai Tucson has an 8-inch touchscreen that comes standard on all trims, with a larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trim levels. It also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Nissan Rogue also has an 8-inch touchscreen on its base models, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available. The Tucson system is noted for its intuitive design and is a little easier to use. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a more seamless technology experience.

Trim Levels

The Hyundai Tucson has a more rugged XRT trim that comes with a unique exterior and some other features. This is a great choice for anyone who wants a vehicle that looks and feels a bit tougher. The Nissan Rogue also has some great higher trim levels that come with premium features. Both of these crossovers offer a smoother ride and a comfortable driving experience.

Which SUV is Safer and More Reliable?

When you're buying a new car, you want to make sure you and your family are safe. The good news is that both the Nissan Rogue and the Hyundai Tucson are considered very safe vehicles. Both have been named a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in recent years, so you can feel confident either way.

Key Safety Features

Both of these compact SUVs come loaded with a ton of modern safety features. They include things like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. They also have a surround-view camera system that makes it easy to park and navigate tight spaces.

Reliability Differences

This is where you might find a bit of a difference. The Hyundai Tucson has a great reputation for reliability, and it comes with an amazing warranty. Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is one of the best in the business. 

The Nissan Rogue has had some past issues with its CVT transmission, but these issues have largely been worked out in newer models. However, the Hyundai warranty still gives the Tucson a big advantage and peace of mind.

Comparing the Downsides of Each SUV

One of the most important parts of car shopping is comparing the weaknesses of the vehicles you’re considering. Knowing about both the advantages and disadvantages of your options is key to making sure you feel super confident about your purchase.

What Is the Disadvantage of the Hyundai Tucson?

While the Hyundai Tucson has a lot of great features, its main disadvantage is its standard gasoline engine. While the engine is very reliable, its horsepower is not as high as the Rogue’s turbocharged engine, which gives the Rogue a more responsive feel on the road. However, the Hyundai Tucson does offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options that provide more power and better fuel economy.

What Is the Downside of a Nissan Rogue?

The main downside of the Nissan Rogue has historically been its CVT transmission. Some older models have had issues with this transmission, which has led to a few complaints. However, Nissan has made significant improvements to its CVT transmission in recent years, and the newest models are much more reliable. The other downside is that the Nissan Rogue has a bit less cargo space than the Hyundai Tucson.

Find Your Next Crossover at Northwest Hyundai

The choice between the Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Tucson is a fantastic one to have. Both of these crossovers are at the top of their class for a reason. They each offer a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a powerful engine. The right one for you comes down to what you value most.

At Northwest Hyundai, we are experts in all things Hyundai. We can help you navigate all the options and find the perfect compact SUV for you. Stop in at our dealership today to see the Hyundai Tucson in person and take a test drive to experience the power and comfort for yourself.