Kia Sportage 81·Nissan Rogue 71on the MotiveGrid Score·Nissan Rogue about $1,847 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,847 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Kia Sportage counters with more cargo room (39.6 vs 31.6 cu ft).
Go with the Nissan Rogue for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Sportage if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia Sportage vs. Nissan Rogue
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia Sportage versus 2026 Nissan Rogue.
Metric
Kia Sportage
Nissan Rogue
MotiveGrid Score
81
71
Cost of Ownership
78
82
Powertrain
64
59
Driver Assistance
38
0
Livability
57
56
Safety
97
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,170
$44,323
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,712
$14,923
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,565
$9,640
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$2,490
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,332
$4,377
Registration (5-yr)
$870
$880
Starting Price
$28,790
$29,090
Horsepower
187 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
39.6 cu ft
31.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$29,090
MSRP
$29,090
Mo · 5yr
$739
$44,323 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Kia Sportage scores higher overall.
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
Nissan Rogue
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sportage
78
Rogue
82
Winner: Rogue
$1,847 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sportage
64
Rogue
59
Winner: Sportage
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sportage
38
Rogue
0
Winner: Sportage
+38 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sportage
57
Rogue
56
Winner: Sportage
+1 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Nissan Rogue is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,847 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Sportage still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Nissan Rogue
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Nissan Rogue
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Sportage
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Kia Sportage
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Nissan Rogue
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
Nissan Rogue
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$739
$44,323 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$739/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Nissan Rogue comes out about $1,847 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
