2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent had a robust and practical aesthetic reminiscent of the Subaru Forester but with amplified features that gave it a unique edge. The comprehensive 360-degree gray plastic cladding offered practical protection along the edges, while the oversized grille and fender flares added visual strength. Roof rails were sturdy and functional, indicating the Ascent's intent for adventure. It featured appealing 20-inch aluminum wheels across many trims, democratizing design for various budgets.

The Ascent's base price started at $31,995, but for additional features and larger wheels, the Premium trim was priced at $34,395, the Limited trim at $39,345, and the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045. The Touring trim, particularly appealing with its premium Java Brown leather and panoramic sunroof, raised the total cost to $46,285. Despite the high price, the Ascent exuded quality with its luxurious interior materials and thoughtful design. For value-seekers, the Ascent Premium with added Convenience and Sporty option packages offered similar appeal under $40,000, while stain-resistant cloth seats provided versatile comfort.

Conversely, the 2021 Nissan Rogue sported newly refined styling with a more technical and modern appearance compared to its predecessor. Dark gray plastic cladding with bold simulated skid plates added a rugged look, especially noticeable on the rear bumper. Clean LED lighting, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned dimensions gave the Rogue a sophisticated SUV presence. Optional two-tone paint with a black roof further enhanced its customized look.

The Rogue's base S trim started at $25,650, with the popular SV trim at $27,340, the more luxurious SL at $32,000, and the top-of-the-line Platinum at $35,430. Each model included $1,095 in destination charges. The Platinum trim was particularly notable for its semi-aniline quilted leather and upscale amenities, lending a truly premium feel. Our test Rogue SL, with added options, was priced at $35,195. The interior boasted an Almond-colored leather and ample light from the panoramic glass sunroof. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars elevated the cabin's aesthetic appeal.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, provided decent acceleration, especially beneficial at higher elevations where turbocharged engines resist power loss. However, the Ascent was thirsty, averaging only 18.9 mpg on a mixed-driving loop, below the EPA's 22 mpg estimate, leading to a range of fewer than 365 miles per tank.

The Ascent's handling was less inspiring than its acceleration. Despite its low center of gravity and brake-based Active Torque Vectoring system, the vehicle's gutless steering and non-responsive tires weren’t conducive to spirited driving on pavement. Its suspension struggled over undulating roads, and the CVT could be unpredictable, affecting the driving experience with power surges and fades. The shifter felt cheap, and the vehicle rocked significantly when parked on a hill without the parking brake engaged. Nevertheless, the Ascent excelled on smooth highways and in off-road conditions with its X-Mode, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue's 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which felt underwhelming for an SUV of its size, especially at higher altitudes. The CVT performed adequately, providing a smooth driving experience with programmed ratios that mimicked a traditional automatic. Paddle shifters added a sporty touch, though they were seldom used.

While the Rogue lacked power, it gained points for its driving dynamics. It featured up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, AWD, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, making it suitable for mild off-road adventures. Nissan hinted at a potential future turbocharged variant, which could address the power deficit.

The Rogue shone with its ride and handling, using a 35% high-strength steel architecture and multi-link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling stability. Modifications like brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and new Vehicle Motion Control predicted and adjusted based on driver inputs, resulting in a smooth, responsive drive. The steering improvements added quickness and precision, a significant upgrade from previous models.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent prioritized comfort and practicality, especially in the Touring trim. The soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with thigh support extension contributed to a plush ride. Though lacking a height adjuster for the front passenger seat, its elevated position made it comfortable. The dashboard featured practical ambient lighting and an especially useful shelf, despite the dated appearance of the controls.

Interior space was generous. The Ascent offered a 3-person second-row bench or individual captain’s chairs, with the latter providing good sliding range and added comfort with heating elements. The third-row seats were accessible and acceptable for short trips, especially with accommodating passengers in the second row. For cargo, the Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, swelling to 47 cubic feet with the third row down, and a total of 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The upright liftgate design eased cargo loading, while available roof rails expanded storage options.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue aimed to replicate a neutral spine position with its Zero Gravity seat designs. Improvements in the new model increased comfort noticeably. The S trim featured cloth covers, the SV offered leatherette, the SL had leather, and the Platinum boasted premium leather. Heated front seats and steering wheel became available in higher trims, though ventilated seats were notably absent.

Interior space was enhanced in the new Rogue, with generous headroom and legroom and nearly 90-degree rear door openings for easy access. The back seat comfortably accommodated children and adults, with the possibility of three child safety seats. The quiet cabin benefited from aerodynamic improvements and acoustic front glass.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue varied slightly by trim: 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV, increasing to 36.5 cubic feet with the SL and Platinum due to the Divide-N-Hide storage system. This system provided practical side bins and versatility, although overall cargo volume was slightly less than the outgoing model. With the rear seats folded, the Rogue offered 74.1 cubic feet, among the largest in its class.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent’s Starlink infotainment system came with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, integrated apps like Pandora, and a CD player. Premium trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and advanced connected services. The Touring trim further enhanced with a high-resolution screen and navigation. Despite the relatively small screen size, the system was user-friendly, using knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls. However, voice control was limited and occasionally frustrating, and navigation inaccuracies were a notable drawback. The premium Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio, and multiple USB ports across all rows compensated for the lack of a wireless charging pad.

For the 2021 Nissan Rogue, Nissan offered a competitive infotainment setup with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the base trim. Higher trims introduced NissanConnect Services with remote engine start, speed alerts, and other features through subscription. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation with real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a premium Bose audio system. Despite some ergonomic issues with knobs and buttons, the system performed well with accurate voice commands and good sound quality. Platinum trim also added wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display for enhanced technology.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent excelled in safety with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. Its advanced EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, and reverse automatic braking. Inclusive features like the EyeSight Assist Monitor and rear-seat reminder further enhanced safety. Starlink Safety Plus services provided three years of connected safety services with roadside assistance, while the Security Plus plan included remote engine start and driver alerts for six months.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with comprehensive ADAS in the Safety Shield 360 suite, which included features like automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning, and crucially added blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert across all trims. A driver monitoring system, rear-seat reminder, and innovative rear seatbelt pre-tensioning were standard, with Platinum trim adding an airbag between front passengers. Starting from the SV trim, adaptive cruise control with improved ProPilot Assist was included, featuring advanced lane-centering and stop-and-go functionality. The Rogue aimed to improve safety ratings with significant high-strength steel use and innovative crash energy deflection designs.