2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, giving it an aggressive appearance. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding, offering a more cohesive aesthetic. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, presented an upscale and cohesive interior, despite the use of some hard plastics. The only downside was the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim on the centre console, which easily collected dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue maintained a more conservative design approach, with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 to $43,748, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, offered a long list of upscale features, including soft, diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of interior and exterior enhancements. While the Rogue's design was appealing, its interior comfort was somewhat compromised by the rear seat's low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped quilted pleats, which felt like sitting on bubble wrap. Despite this, the Rogue's overall design and features made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with passing and climbing power. The Outback's fuel efficiency was also disappointing, with a combined rating of 9.2 L/100 km, falling short of expectations. For those seeking more power, the Outback XT offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though it came at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic, and its Active Torque Split AWD system provided excellent off-road capabilities. However, the standard engine's lack of power was a significant drawback, especially at higher elevations.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The VC-Turbo engine offered impressive performance in urban and suburban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy was slightly better than the Outback's, with a combined rating of 8.1 L/100 km. The Rogue's CVT included paddle shifters and offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue's engine had an unusual note and some vibration, its overall performance was satisfactory for most driving situations.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's high ground clearance made it easy to enter and exit, and its cargo space was generous, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, offering ample space for four adults and the option to carry a fifth passenger. The Platinum trim featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though the rear seat's low cushion and quilted pleats detracted from the overall experience. The Rogue's cargo space was slightly larger than the Outback's, with 1,028 litres behind the back seat and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, though some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was limited, struggling with basic commands, making wireless smartphone connectivity essential. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well. However, the voice recognition technology was limited, similar to the Outback. The Rogue's infotainment system was functional, but it lacked the modern features found in newer models.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system also featured a new Automatic Emergency Steering function and a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive due to their artificial feel.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. 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 updated crash tests.