2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. Positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, this edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, and the interior boasted a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment gave the SUV a sporty appearance, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured proper proportions and handsomely chiseled styling, with just the right amount of SUV detailing to convey a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, offered a long list of upscale upgrades, including soft, supple, diamond-pattern leather seats and many soft-touch surfaces. However, the Platinum model's price overlapped with the entry-level Infiniti QX50, raising questions about its value proposition.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, but our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The engine's horizontally-opposed layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, improving handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing the Ascent to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The SUV's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided off-roading capability. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement, causing an unsettled sensation.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The CVT included paddle shifters, and the engine powered the front wheels unless AWD was selected. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The new VC-Turbo powertrain felt responsive in urban and suburban driving but lacked passing power on the highway. The EPA rated the Rogue at 31 mpg combined, but our testing loop averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's brake-induced ride quality and cornering enhancements, along with its strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension, provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, but third-row comfort was limited for taller adults. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened to nearly a 90-degree angle. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third-row seat, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a replacement for the traditional family car, comfortably accommodated four people, with the option to carry a fifth person in the middle of the back seat. The Platinum trim included a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, and the back seat offered rear climate controls, air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, side window shades, and heated outboard seats. The Rogue provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 74.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting with climate control pre-conditioning. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older version of Nissan’s infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen display. The test vehicle had the larger 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology struggled with basic commands, and the remote keyless entry fob design was frustrating. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist and a blind-spot monitoring system available from Premium trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trim levels offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year but received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for the driver and front passenger in a frontal-impact collision.