2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru knew it had a winning formula with the Outback and wasn’t eager to change much—incremental improvements were the name of the game for 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was supported by Subaru’s Global Platform, offering a claimed 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, updated with 90% new parts and direct injection, produced 182 horsepower. An upgraded 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp featured in higher trims.

Externally, subtle changes such as updated head- and taillights differentiated the new model from the old. The interior saw more significant changes, with an 11.6-inch touchscreen debuting for all trims except the base 2.5i, which received dual 7-inch screens. An innovative tech feature, DriverFocus, used facial recognition for personalized settings and driver alertness monitoring.

The 2020 Outback was available in seven trims, starting from the 2.5i at $26,645 and going up to the Touring XT. Standard features included LED headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The higher trims added more luxurious and practical features, with the XT models offering the turbocharged engine.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue wore handsome new styling with a modern SUV appearance highlighted by dark gray plastic cladding, bold skid plates, and clean LED lighting elements. The V-Motion grille and proportioning lent it a sleek, modern look, with aluminum wheels sized up to 19 inches.

The Rogue came in four trims: S ($25,650), SV ($27,340), SL ($32,000), and the new Platinum ($35,430). The Rogue’s interior featured an improved set of Zero Gravity seats, various trim-specific upholstery, and a spacious, quiet cabin. It also included smart storage solutions like the new electronic shifter freeing up space under the center console.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 hp and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp. While the base engine’s power was suitable for everyday driving, the turbocharged engine significantly improved performance, allowing for quicker acceleration and better towing capability. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the usual CVT drawbacks.

Subaru’s permanent all-wheel-drive system provided seamless power delivery and excellent stability, whether on-road or off-road. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode enhanced off-road capabilities, although it wasn’t intended for extreme terrain.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, with its sole 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered. The CVT did a decent job leveraging the available torque and included programmed ratios that mimicked a traditional automatic. However, the Rogue’s weight of nearly 3,500 pounds strained the engine, especially in mountainous or high-altitude areas.

Despite the power deficit, the Rogue’s ride and handling were commendable, thanks to a new architecture using high-strength steel. Various driving aids and systems like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control contributed to a smooth and predictable driving experience. New driving modes, including Snow and Off-Road, helped improve versatility.

The 2020 Subaru Outback’s station wagon design proved functional with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Rear seats could be folded down via handles in the trunk, expanding the space to 75.7 cubic feet. The low load height of the trunk and roof aided ease of loading, and the low center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk. Spaciousness was a highlight, with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue, while slightly lower in numbers, offered generous cargo capacity. The S and SV trims provided 31.6 cubic feet, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. SL and Platinum trims, featuring a Divide-N-Hide cargo management system, offered up to 36.5 cubic feet. The nearly 90-degree opening rear doors facilitated passenger and cargo loading, and improved interior noise reduction contributed to a more comfortable experience.

Subaru’s 11.6-inch touchscreen in the 2020 Outback aimed to impress tech enthusiasts but faced criticism for lag and buried climate control functions. On the plus side, the system was generally easy to navigate, and features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue provided a competitive infotainment system. Starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. Higher trims added a WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration. A larger 9-inch touchscreen and premium Bose audio system were available in the SL Premium Package and Platinum trim. The Platinum trim also featured wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a robust suite of safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system had issues with false alarms, prompting some users to deactivate it. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, sometimes turned off due to obstructions like snow or fog.

Nissan focused on safety with the 2021 Rogue, equipping it with a comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance systems under the Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Importantly, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. The Rogue also included ten airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and the option for an enhanced ProPilot Assist in higher trims. The vehicle's architecture, with increased use of high-strength steel, underscored its safety focus.