2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embodied the adage “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Car shoppers flocked to crossovers for their rugged looks, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and tall driving positions, so Subaru imbued its Impreza hatchback with those same characteristics. This strategy allowed the larger Outback to outlast nearly every other station wagon in the United States. The Crosstrek differentiated itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, affording 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek a more SUV-like character and more vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl for the 2021 model year.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, carried forward its mature and sophisticated look. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims came with LED fog lamps, and the vehicle included active grille shutters and underbody covers to improve airflow. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash with distinct horizontal layers, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage space, including a large center console and a wireless charging pad. The Rogue’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row provided comfort for passengers, while the fit and finish, especially on the Platinum model, were exemplary.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was optional. All trims came with standard AWD, torque vectoring, and X-Mode for loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek handled predictably with a comfortable ride and low wind noise, although the higher center of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque compared to the 2021 model’s 2.5-liter inline-four. The Rogue’s new CVT had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. It provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo space. CVT-equipped models included a rear-seat reminder, and the front cabin featured a handy cubby hole with USB ports. However, storage space was minimal, and the driving position, while higher than the Impreza’s, did not offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin had numerous storage areas, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on configuration, and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, making it a versatile option for carrying luggage or other items.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, featuring a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on lower trims. The Crosstrek also had a second screen above the main touchscreen for additional information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, and the vehicle included large analog knobs and buttons for audio and climate control.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade from the 2021 model. Upper trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands for navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, allowing for predictive speed control based on road conditions.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021, a “Top Safety Pick” rating. The Crosstrek featured standard EyeSight driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety technologies across all trims, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for passive safety. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for advanced driver assistance. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.