2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic yet appealing design. With its well-proportioned and chiseled styling, the Rogue exuded a rugged sense of purpose that resonated with consumers. The lineup offered various trims, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, each providing a blend of style and functionality. The Platinum trim, in particular, stood out with its upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium interior touches, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar design with subtle updates, particularly in the Wilderness trim, which featured a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The Outback's exterior, with its dark grey cladding and Autumn Green Metallic paint, offered a unique aesthetic appeal. The Premier XT trim, with its tasteful chrome accents and Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, elevated the Outback's interior to a level of sophistication not typically associated with the brand. The Outback's design choices, including varying wheel sizes and finishes across trims, provided a balance of ruggedness and elegance, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder in most trims. This VC-Turbo engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, offering a responsive driving experience in urban settings. The Rogue's CVT, equipped with paddle shifters, provided a smooth ride, although it lacked highway passing power. The SUV's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The Rogue's suspension and steering offered a balanced ride, though the steering felt somewhat lifeless.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to its brand, was powered by a "Boxer" engine. The Premier XT trim came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing its performance. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed transmission, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. With 22 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was well-suited for off-road adventures, especially in the Wilderness trim, which offered even more clearance and all-terrain tires. The Outback's suspension and steering were well-engineered, contributing to a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating four adults, with the option to squeeze in a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low-mounted cushions and limited leg support. The Rogue provided ample cargo space, with up to 1,028 litres available behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate and Nissan's Divide-N-Hide feature added to its practicality.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, did not compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than some competitors, with 923 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with them folded. The Outback's features included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Premier XT trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Outback's hands-free power liftgate and retractable roof rails enhanced its functionality, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system included a navigation app and a Bose audio system, though voice recognition was limited. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display, providing clear and useful information to the driver.

The 2024 Subaru Outback's technology offerings included an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system integrated climate controls, with hard buttons for essential functions. The Outback featured Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a Harman Kardon audio system in most trims. The Premier XT trim included a CD player, catering to those who appreciate traditional media options.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with Safety Shield 360, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring. 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 crash tests.

The 2024 Subaru Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Outback's EyeSight suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. The 2024 model added a wide-angle camera and a driver-attention monitor, enhancing its safety features. The Premier XT trim also included a digital rearview mirror and reverse automatic braking.