2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, flanked by standard LED headlamps in a narrow and angled configuration, separate LED daytime running lights, and functional forward air vents with active grille shutters. These elements contributed to a lower coefficient of drag than its predecessor, despite the boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to four or five colours, with a sixth pearl grey option available on the SV with all-wheel drive. The Platinum grade offered four two-tone colour configurations, combining a lower paint colour with a blacked-out roof. Interior seating surfaces were primarily cloth, with leatherette upholstery available in the SV AWD model with the Premium Package, which also included heated rear seats, manual rear sunshades, and a power liftgate. The Platinum model featured semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, elevating the interior to a more luxurious level.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by infusing the Impreza hatchback with rugged looks, available all-wheel drive, and a tall driving position. The Crosstrek differentiated itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, providing 22 centimetres of ground clearance. This gave the Crosstrek a more SUV-like character, enhanced by vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. The Crosstrek rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with other models like the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester, offering a greater level of polish and refinement. The interior remained functional but plain, with Plasma Yellow Pearl accents standard on the Outdoor grade’s interior. The simulated carbon-fibre trim pieces looked cheap, but the model featured water-repellant upholstery, useful for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder direct-injected engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, fully available at 3,600 rpm. This represented a six and three per cent improvement over the previous version. The engine specs matched well with the Rogue’s curb weight, ranging from 1,536 kilograms for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kilograms for the all-wheel drive Platinum model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than some, and no alternate powertrain was offered. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the front-wheel drive configuration using 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.0 on the highway, and 8.1 combined. All-wheel drive increased these figures slightly. The Rogue’s handling improved significantly with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity, a 40-kilogram weight reduction, revamped multi-link rear suspension, and updated stability control systems, resulting in a planted and stable road feel.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a second gasoline powertrain option, with the Outdoor and Limited trim levels featuring a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Other trims continued with the 2.0-litre boxer-four, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The boxer engine’s lower profile provided a lower centre of gravity, although the SUV-like stance negated some benefits. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the CVT. All trim levels came with standard AWD, and X-Mode helped navigate loose surfaces. The Crosstrek’s handling was predictable, with increased body roll due to the higher centre of gravity, balanced by a comfortable ride and low wind noise. The 2.5-litre engine offered more power but didn’t feel dramatically different, with adequate acceleration and CVT droning.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured several functional updates across all price points. The cabin was quieter by three decibels on average, and a new shift-by-wire system added a compartment under the centre stack. Rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom increased to 996 mm without the moonroof or 960 mm with it. Standard features included heated front seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors, with 17-inch alloy wheels. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start with intelligent climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch wheels. The Premium Package included leatherette upholstery, heated rear seats, sunshades, and a power liftgate. The Platinum grade integrated these features and a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded. The rear seat split 60/40, and the cargo system used a rail system for separation.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 588 litres with rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded. The Crosstrek was competitive in passenger space but not cargo space, offering more than the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Renegade but less than the Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Qashqai. CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Up front, a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports was provided, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports. Storage space was minimal, with decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. The driving position was higher than the Impreza’s, but not as high as traditional crossovers, with good outward visibility due to large side glass.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB ports, and access to NissanConnect services. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. It also introduced a 10.8-inch head-up display and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had hard-to-read graphics due to low contrast.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Outdoor, Sport, and Limited trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited. A second screen displayed redundant information, and the 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate. Large analog knobs and buttons controlled vital functions, and chunky steering wheel buttons managed EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, incorporating adaptive cruise control and Safety Shield 360 features. The Rogue received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later versions.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a “Top Safety Pick” rating for models with EyeSight features and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Sport and Limited grades added automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking, with lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert available. EyeSight’s cameras were protected but limited in functionality by windshield wipers and sunlight.