2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly the same as the 2019 model, had 90% new parts. For those desiring more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly noticeable in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim. The innovative DriverFocus tech, using infrared to detect sleepy or distracted drivers, was a standout feature. The Outback was offered in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with the base model featuring LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added more luxury and tech features, with the top-tier Touring XT priced at $39,695.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination and a choice between FWD and AWD. The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, had a sticker price of $34,870. The Rogue's design remained attractive despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The center console sides were padded for driver comfort, a thoughtful touch.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback’s design ensured less wear on components and a lower center of gravity, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Despite a Sport driving mode, the Rogue lacked power, especially noticeable during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades. The EPA estimated 29 mpg combined for FWD versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a chore to drive.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The low load height and lower center of gravity provided better handling and less chance of rollover. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue had comfortable rear seats with high cushions and good thigh support, making it a preferred spot for passengers. The front seats, however, were less accommodating for taller drivers. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, with underfloor storage compartments and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The camera resolution was also subpar. Despite these issues, the screen was easy to navigate and understand.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, and the system was slow to respond, with subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including AWD and EyeSight, but the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. EyeSight could also be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s Safety Shield 360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Additional features like Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert were useful. However, ProPilot Assist felt dated, and the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues noted by IIHS.