2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a conservative approach, featuring proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was an appealing vehicle, crucial for attracting buyers who prioritize aesthetics. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came loaded with upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of other premium upgrades, pushing its MSRP to $43,100.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with its styling, especially after a refresh that added visually offensive elements to its design. The Ascent lineup remained unchanged, offering Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $34,395 to $48,695, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim, included all-weather floor liners, bringing its MSRP to $50,181. The Touring trim offered a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, among other features. However, the interior design felt modular and lacked sophistication.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue initially featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine but switched to a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design for the 2022 model year. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 to 4,000 rpm. The engine was paired with a CVT, which included paddle shifters and powered the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue lacked passing power on the highway and had some refinement issues, such as engine noise and vibration. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 31 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. The engine was paired with a CVT and standard AWD with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,000 pounds with the Base trim). It performed well in various driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails. However, it struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension tuning. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, but our test vehicle returned 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg overall.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to a midsize car, with higher ground clearance, better visibility, and a larger cargo area. It comfortably seated four people, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. Our Platinum trim test vehicle featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked ventilated front seats. The rear seats were roomy but not as comfortable as the front seats. The Rogue provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Touring trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to load children and cargo. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked legroom compared to rivals. The third-row seats were suitable for short trips. The Ascent provided up to 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 75.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Our test vehicle had the 9-inch screen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was unreliable, and the key fob design was frustrating.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came with the latest Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims included Starlink connected services, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The system had physical buttons and knobs for common functions, but the display washed out in direct sunlight, and the native voice recognition was poor.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the EyeSight safety package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, automatic reverse braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Ascent earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, the lane-centering assist technology was problematic, causing issues during testing.