2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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 narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Premium Package offering additional features like heated rear seats and a power liftgate.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring a blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design. This trim level aimed to provide a sporty appearance, complemented by the water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats inside. The interior featured a gray two-tone scheme with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option. The Ascent's styling and interior aimed to appeal to those seeking a rugged yet modern look.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered a stable and planted road feel, thanks to improved torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 8.1 L/100 km combined, while the all-wheel-drive version recorded 8.3 L/100 km.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The CVT, with eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, complemented the engine's performance, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity reached up to 2,270 kg. Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 cm of ground clearance enhanced its off-roading capabilities. The Ascent's handling was nimble and responsive, though its lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel uncertain at times.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space under the centre stack. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row seats upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors. The Ascent provided ample storage, with a useful dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space measured 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The base model without a panoramic sunroof offered slightly higher cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition required specific commands, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked sonic quality. The Premier trim offered a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. 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 models.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent's EyeSight driver-assist technology included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, though it faced challenges in direct sunlight and lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.