2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels, though some design elements felt exaggerated.

Inside, the Rogue's age showed more clearly. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms seemed outdated compared to modern horizontal and angular designs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, but the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by adding rugged looks, AWD, and a tall driving position to the Impreza hatchback. This strategy, similar to the larger Outback, helped the Crosstrek stand out. The Crosstrek featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its SUV-like appearance. Vibrant colors like Plasma Yellow Pearl added to its character.

Underneath, the Crosstrek shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a polished and refined design. The interior, similar to the Impreza hatchback, was functional but plain. The Sport trim test car had clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl accents and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim, but the water-repellant StarTex upholstery was practical for outdoor adventures.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single powertrain: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's performance was merely adequate. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD models, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which improved cornering and smoothed out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL's 19-inch wheels and tires didn't make it fun to drive. The electrically assisted steering felt lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a chore to drive.

For 2021, the Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter boxer-four with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while the Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only. AWD was standard across all trims, featuring torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved handling and off-road capability.

The Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with a comfortable ride and low wind noise. The new 2.5-liter engine provided better performance, but acceleration remained adequate with noticeable CVT droning. The higher center of gravity resulted in increased body roll, but the overall driving experience was balanced and refined.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating. However, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller drivers. The back seat offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, making it a preferred spot for passengers. The Rogue excelled in cargo space, with 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats, underfloor storage compartments, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. CVT-equipped models included a rear-seat reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Up front, a handy cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports was provided, but overall storage space was minimal. The driving position felt higher than the Impreza's, with good outward visibility.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, slow to respond, and had subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM, and a CD player. The Limited trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, which was optional on lower trims. A second screen above the main touchscreen displayed redundant information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, and large analog knobs and buttons for audio and climate control were user-friendly. Steering wheel buttons controlled EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021, earned IIHS's Top Safety Pick award with the highest ratings in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. EyeSight driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be blocked by wipers or direct sunlight.