Nissan Rogue vs Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new sheet metal, a fresh chassis, and additional colour options like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. While its wheelbase and overall length remained nearly unchanged, the Crosstrek boasted a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. The base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. In Canada, standard roof rails added to its outdoorsy appeal, though crossbars were sold separately. The Crosstrek's LED headlights seamlessly integrated with the new wing bar, giving the front fascia a distinctive, smiling appearance. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, with aerodynamic air inlets and outlets enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. The split taillight design from the second generation continued, allowing for wider trunk access. The Wilderness trim introduced unique design elements, including a hexagonal front grille, larger cladding, and increased ground clearance. Inside, StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents added flair, while all-weather floormats and an LED-lit tailgate improved functionality. Despite minimal changes in exterior dimensions, the interior remained spacious, with a slightly smaller cargo volume and a new 11.6-inch touchscreen display enhancing the cabin's cohesiveness.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue offered six trims in Canada, with the SV trim being popular due to its affordable price and desirable features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Rogue's top-tier Platinum trim included luxurious amenities such as semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in capability provided seamless connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue's design featured a blocky shape, large grille, and thin headlights, lending it a bold appearance. The Platinum trim's optional Tech Package added advanced features like ProPilot Assist 2.1 and a surround-view parking camera. The Rogue's 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, paired with a CVT, delivered adequate performance for everyday driving. The steering was light and accurate, while braking was smooth and responsive. The Rogue's interior impressed with its quality materials and thoughtful design, offering ample rear legroom and cargo space. The Divide-and-Hide storage system added versatility, and creative storage solutions throughout the cabin enhanced practicality.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The latter, paired with a CVT, was tested in the U.S. equivalent of a Touring trim. While not particularly quick, the Crosstrek's CVT was refined, with simulated shift points and minimal droning. The Wilderness trim featured different gearing for tackling challenging terrain and increased towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Crosstrek's updated 2.0-litre powertrain reduced vibrations, enhancing comfort. The steering, aided by a new dual-pinion rack, was light yet precise. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, standard on all trims, improved off-road capability. Fuel economy was reasonable, with estimates of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.1 on the highway for the 2.0-litre engine, and slightly higher for the 2.5-litre engine.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine provided adequate power for routine driving, though it lacked the punch of a four-cylinder engine. Paired with a CVT, the drivetrain delivered smooth performance, with the transmission fading into the background. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, while braking was smooth and predictable. The CVT contributed to better fuel economy without sacrificing refinement. Overall, the Rogue's performance was competent, though not particularly exciting.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The trunk provided 564 litres of space, expanding to 1,549 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior featured robust, easy-to-clean materials, with a protective cargo tray standard on higher trims. A heated steering wheel was available on all but the base trim, and the centre console bin accommodated two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior impressed with its quality materials and thoughtful design. The Platinum model featured quilted leather seating and upmarket trim pieces, while even the base model offered a premium feel. The steering wheel was chunky and slightly flat-bottomed, with easily accessible HVAC controls. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with ample rear legroom measuring 978 millimetres. The cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, with the Divide-and-Hide storage system adding versatility. Creative storage solutions throughout the cabin enhanced practicality, making the Rogue a well-rounded choice for families.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the base trim. The display offered crisp graphics and retained physical controls for essential functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a wireless charger standard on higher trims. The Limited trim added a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Subaru Starlink technology was impressive, though glare and menu navigation could be improved.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen on upper trims. The larger screen offered wireless smartphone connectivity and a user-friendly interface. Google navigation was particularly useful, and ProPilot Assist provided hands-free operation on pre-mapped roads. A wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the base of the centre console, enhancing the Rogue's tech offerings.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2024, EyeSight featured a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering on models with blind-spot monitoring.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the side impact test. Standard safety features included forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional safety features included a head-up display, ProPilot Assist, and a surround-view parking camera.