2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Subaru Outback
Overview | |
MSRP$26,645 | MSRP$25,490 |
Average price$22,695 | Average price$17,040 |
Listings830 | Listings1185 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 Subaru Outback Reviews SummarySubaru kept the wagon vibes rolling while the rest of the world fell in love with SUVs and crossovers. And, although the 2020 Outback is technically a midsize crossover, one look will have you remembering summer drives in an overstuffed station wagon down a busy highway, whether you actually took those trips or not. And that’s not a bad thing. The Outback has always provided utility, performance, and looks, and those things have made it Subaru’s top-selling model. With the updates for this sixth generation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see America falling in love with the station wagon again. | |
2020 Nissan Rogue Reviews SummaryNissan hasn’t redesigned the Rogue since 2014, but an all-new version of this SUV is coming for the 2021 model year. In the meantime, dealers will be eager to sell remaining stocks of the outgoing 2020 Nissan Rogue, and the deals on these new cars ought to be mighty juicy. Should you bite? Should you wait? Or should you shop for something else? The answers to these questions depend on who you are and what you value in a compact crossover SUV. | |
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Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine Name2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space32.5 cu ft | Cargo Space39.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3634 lbs | Curb Weight3463 lbs |
Height66.1 in | Height66.3 in |
Length191.3 in | Length184.5 in |
Width82.0 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase108.1 in | Wheelbase106.5 in |
Maximum Payload1071 lbs | Maximum Payload1127 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2700 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,645 | $25,490 |
Average price | $22,695 | $17,040 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 6.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Subaru kept the wagon vibes rolling while the rest of the world fell in love with SUVs and crossovers. And, although the 2020 Outback is technically a midsize crossover, one look will have you remembering summer drives in an overstuffed station wagon down a busy highway, whether you actually took those trips or not. And that’s not a bad thing. The Outback has always provided utility, performance, and looks, and those things have made it Subaru’s top-selling model. With the updates for this sixth generation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see America falling in love with the station wagon again. | Nissan hasn’t redesigned the Rogue since 2014, but an all-new version of this SUV is coming for the 2021 model year. In the meantime, dealers will be eager to sell remaining stocks of the outgoing 2020 Nissan Rogue, and the deals on these new cars ought to be mighty juicy. Should you bite? Should you wait? Or should you shop for something else? The answers to these questions depend on who you are and what you value in a compact crossover SUV. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 2.5L 170 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 175 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 170 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 32.5 cu ft | 39.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3634 lbs | 3463 lbs |
Height | 66.1 in | 66.3 in |
Length | 191.3 in | 184.5 in |
Width | 82.0 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 106.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1071 lbs | 1127 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2700 lbs | |
Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly the same as the 2019 model, had 90% new parts. For those desiring more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly noticeable in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim. The innovative DriverFocus tech, using infrared to detect sleepy or distracted drivers, was a standout feature. The Outback was offered in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with the base model featuring LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added more luxury and tech features, with the top-tier Touring XT priced at $39,695.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination and a choice between FWD and AWD. The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, had a sticker price of $34,870. The Rogue's design remained attractive despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The center console sides were padded for driver comfort, a thoughtful touch.
The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback’s design ensured less wear on components and a lower center of gravity, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Despite a Sport driving mode, the Rogue lacked power, especially noticeable during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades. The EPA estimated 29 mpg combined for FWD versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a chore to drive.
The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The low load height and lower center of gravity provided better handling and less chance of rollover. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue had comfortable rear seats with high cushions and good thigh support, making it a preferred spot for passengers. The front seats, however, were less accommodating for taller drivers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.
The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The camera resolution was also subpar. Despite these issues, the screen was easy to navigate and understand.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, and the system was slow to respond, with subpar voice-recognition technology.
The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including AWD and EyeSight, but the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. EyeSight could also be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s Safety Shield 360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Additional features like Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert were useful. However, ProPilot Assist felt dated, and the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues noted by IIHS.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Outback is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Rogue scores 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Subaru Outback is the clear choice, offering better performance, more advanced technology, and superior safety features.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Rogue if:
- You prefer a straightforward, easy-to-use vehicle with essential tech features.
- You need a comfortable rear seat experience for passengers.
- You want a vehicle with a good amount of cargo space and practical storage solutions.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Outback if:
- You prioritize a robust AWD system for all-weather capability.
- You need ample cargo space and a spacious interior.
- You value advanced safety features and innovative tech like DriverFocus.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Subaru Outback is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Rogue scores 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Subaru Outback is the clear choice, offering better performance, more advanced technology, and superior safety features.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Rogue if:
Shop Now- You prefer a straightforward, easy-to-use vehicle with essential tech features.
- You need a comfortable rear seat experience for passengers.
- You want a vehicle with a good amount of cargo space and practical storage solutions.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Outback if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a robust AWD system for all-weather capability.
- You need ample cargo space and a spacious interior.
- You value advanced safety features and innovative tech like DriverFocus.

By: CarGurus + AI
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