2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Subaru Ascent

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between style and functionality. With its well-proportioned design and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a rugged yet appealing presence. This was crucial, as aesthetics often played a significant role in consumer decisions. The Rogue's lineup, ranging from the S to the Platinum trim, offered a variety of features, with the Platinum trim showcasing upscale upgrades like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of other premium touches.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with its styling, particularly after a refresh that introduced some controversial design elements. Despite this, the Ascent remained functional and practical, with a focus on utility over aesthetics. The Premier trim, which was the top of the line, included premium features such as Nappa leather upholstery and a surround-view camera. The interior design, while not sophisticated, was practical and modular, catering to the needs of families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's suspension and ride quality were generally good, with features like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing the driving experience. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the tires provided modest grip.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a CVT and standard AWD, made the Ascent a versatile performer across various terrains. The Ascent excelled in off-road conditions and handled urban environments with ease. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with the test drive averaging 12.6 L/100 km. The Ascent's handling was limited by its weight and suspension tuning, making it less agile on twisty roads.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious and practical interior, making it a suitable replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was frustratingly impractical. The Rogue's cargo space was generous, with up to 2,064 litres available when the rear seats were folded.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized functionality, with features like large cupholders, backpack pegs, and cargo hooks enhancing its practicality. The Premier trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Ascent's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy loading of children and cargo. While the second-row legroom was slightly cramped, the third-row seats were acceptable for short trips. The Ascent provided up to 2,140 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with an older infotainment system featuring an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle included a 9-inch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition system was limited in functionality. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent boasted the latest Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon sound system. While the system worked well, the display washed out in direct sunlight, and the voice recognition was subpar. The Ascent's physical controls for common functions were a welcome addition, and the Premier trim included advanced features like a surround-view camera and digital rearview camera.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some specific tests.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with the EyeSight safety package, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ascent received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the lane-centring assist technology was less impressive, occasionally causing instability during testing.