2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim, offering a sporty appearance that was previously absent. This edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a grey two-tone scheme with light grey stitching, which was a refreshing change from the typical black interiors. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more traditional design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Platinum trim, which was tested, included upscale features such as diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium amenities. The Rogue's design was appealing, with a focus on comfort and practicality, though some elements, like the rear seat comfort and the design of the key fob, left room for improvement. The Rogue's interior was spacious, with thoughtful features like a dual-panel panoramic sunroof and Zero Gravity seat designs, though the rear seat comfort was not as impressive as the front.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT was praised for its performance, offering eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity was up to 2,270 kilograms, and its off-road capabilities were bolstered by Subaru's X-Mode traction control system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The CVT included paddle shifters, and the Rogue offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 7.7 L/100 km combined, but testing showed an average of 8.1 L/100 km. The VC-Turbo powertrain was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though the steering felt lifeless, and the engine's character was not to everyone's liking.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The interior offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The Ascent's cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row and up to 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The wide rear doors and available captain's chairs made loading easy, and storage was plentiful throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family car replacement, comfortably seating four adults with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim offered premium features like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support. The Rogue's cargo space was practical, with up to 1,028 litres behind the back seat and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, though some storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The voice recognition technology struggled with certain requests, and the system included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. The Bose premium audio system provided decent sound quality, though the infotainment system was due for an update.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came standard with EyeSight driver-assist technology, though the system had limitations in direct sunlight and lacked refinement in adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and available blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.