2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. With its well-proportioned design and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a sense of purpose that appealed to many SUV enthusiasts. The vehicle's exterior was complemented by a range of trim levels, from the base S to the luxurious Platinum, each offering a unique blend of features and aesthetics. The Platinum trim, in particular, stood out with its upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium options, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback retained its familiar design with minor tweaks, such as a new front fascia and LED fog lights for the Wilderness trim. The Outback's exterior was characterized by its dark gray cladding and the striking Autumn Green Metallic color, which added a unique flair to its appearance. The various trims offered different levels of black and chrome fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome. Inside, the Outback impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a range of seating options across trims, from StarTex synthetic leather to standard leather seating surfaces, providing a blend of capability and luxury.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with Nissan's variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's drivetrain included Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. Despite its innovative powertrain, the Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless, and the all-season tires provided modest grip.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to its brand, was powered by a "Boxer" engine. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the XT trims, including the Wilderness, boasted a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine significantly improved the Outback's performance, especially in handling the vehicle's weight. The CVT mimicked the feel of eight distinct gears, and the steering, while not sporty, was adequate for a comfortable ride. The Outback's ground clearance and off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Wilderness trim, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to traditional family cars, with a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults and a fifth passenger when needed. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats were not available. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs provided comfort, but the rear seats were less impressive, lacking leg support. The SUV's cargo space was generous, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of volume when the rear seats were folded, and the Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, did not compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Outback's cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The vehicle's feature availability was impressive, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort for colder climates. The Outback's hands-free power liftgate and raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added to its practicality.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured an older version with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 9-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its functionality. The Rogue's technology package was comprehensive, but the infotainment system felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2024 Subaru Outback's technology offerings included a larger 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen on higher trims, with the base trim retaining a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform, while dated, provided standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless options starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. The Outback also offered Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system on most trims, providing a well-rounded tech experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests. ProPilot Assist impressed with its accuracy and lane-centering technology, though braking could be abrupt.

The 2024 Subaru Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor, enhancing safety for 2024.