2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing market for crossovers with its rugged appearance, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and elevated driving position. It shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models like the Outback and Forester, offering a refined design and a higher ride height for better ground clearance. The Crosstrek's exterior was distinguished by black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. Inside, it retained the Impreza's functional but plain interior, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery and simulated carbon-fibre trim.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its reputation as a top seller with a mature and sophisticated design. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, an electronic gear selector, and ample storage options. The Rogue's cabin was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row. The fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, making it a well-rounded choice for families and commuters alike.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, available on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The boxer engine's design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. The Crosstrek came with a six-speed manual transmission for the 2.0-litre engine, while the Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only. All models featured standard AWD and X-Mode for better traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek was more suited to on-road driving, with predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered an 11% increase in horsepower and 24% more torque compared to the previous model. The Rogue's fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The new CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the engine's power well, delivering a smooth ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering offered good feel, and the tight turning diameter made it easy to manoeuvre.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space with the Impreza hatchback, featuring the same front and rear legroom and slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 588 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded. While it offered more cargo space than some competitors, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder and a handy cubby hole for phones, but storage space was limited. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was good thanks to large side windows.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options, with bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies throughout the cabin. Rear-seat passengers had their own storage options and USB ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded. This made it a practical choice for families and those needing ample cargo capacity.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system included large analog knobs and buttons for easy control, and EyeSight driver-assistance features were accessible via steering wheel buttons.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue boasted a technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry on all doors.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features included automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, EyeSight's cameras could be obstructed by windshield wipers or direct sunlight.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured ten airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered Level 2 advanced driver-assist capabilities, with enhanced features available on higher trims. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.