Nissan Rogue Sport vs Subaru Crosstrek: Which Suv Reigns?
Choosing the right compact SUV can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, how do you know which one truly fits your needs? Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle, pitting the stylish Nissan Rogue Sport against the adventurous Subaru Crosstrek.
Both vehicles offer compelling features, but they cater to slightly different drivers. The Nissan Rogue Sport appeals to those seeking a practical and fuel-efficient daily driver. Meanwhile, the Subaru Crosstrek boasts impressive off-road capabilities and a reputation for reliability.
This comparison will break down everything from performance and interior comfort to safety features and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which SUV, the Nissan Rogue Sport or the Subaru Crosstrek, is the perfect match for your lifestyle and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Nissan Rogue Sport | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A | N/A |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder / 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 152 hp / 182 hp |
| Torque | 147 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft / 176 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT / 6-speed Manual |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29 / 32 mpg | 28 / 33 mpg / 27 / 34 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 22.9 cu. ft. | 19.9-20.8 cu. ft. |
| Ground Clearance | 7.0 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Standard Infotainment Screen | 7-inch | 6.5-inch / 8-inch |
| Available Safety Features | Nissan Safety Shield 360 | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD | AWD |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Fuel Economy
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 30 MPG combined. It’s generally efficient for its class, making it a good choice for daily commutes. However, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 34 MPG combined for the base engine and slightly lower for the more powerful options. Subaru’s reputation for efficiency shines here, but all-wheel drive can impact mileage.
- Winner: Crosstrek
Standard Safety Features
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. It offers a comprehensive suite of safety tech, promoting driver assistance.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. EyeSight is known for its effectiveness, providing advanced safety.
- Winner: Tie
Cargo Space
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Provides a decent amount of cargo space, with around 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. It’s practical for everyday errands, but can be limited for larger items.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Offers a similar cargo capacity, with roughly 20 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Crosstrek’s shape can make it easier to load some items.
- Winner: Rogue Sport
Off-Road Capability
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Is primarily designed for on-road driving, with available all-wheel drive for improved traction in inclement weather. However, it lacks the ground clearance and features needed for serious off-roading.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Excels in off-road capabilities thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and available X-MODE for enhanced traction. It’s well-suited for light trails and outdoor adventures.
- Winner: Crosstrek
Infotainment System
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system is generally intuitive, but the screen size and resolution may vary depending on the trim level.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Offers a similar infotainment setup with a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interface is often praised for its simplicity, but some users may find the responsiveness a little slow on some models.
- Winner: Tie
Engine Performance
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Typically comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides adequate power for daily driving. Acceleration is sufficient, though it’s not particularly sporty.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Offers a base 2.0-liter engine and a more powerful 2.5-liter option. The 2.5-liter provides noticeably better acceleration, making for a more engaging driving experience.
- Winner: Crosstrek
Ride Quality and Handling
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Provides a comfortable ride, suitable for city driving and highway cruising. Its handling is composed, though it’s not designed for aggressive cornering.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Delivers a balanced ride quality, with a focus on stability and control, especially with its standard all-wheel drive. It feels planted on various road surfaces, with a slightly firmer ride.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Value
- Nissan Rogue Sport: Generally offers a competitive starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the value proposition depends on the trim level and included features.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Has a slightly higher starting price than the Rogue Sport. However, it often provides a strong value proposition due to its standard all-wheel drive, safety features, and off-road capabilities.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | Subaru Crosstrek |
| Standard Safety Features | Tie |
| Off-Road Capability | Subaru Crosstrek |
| Starting Price | Nissan Rogue Sport |
| Cargo Space | Nissan Rogue Sport |
What They Have in Common
- Compact Suv: Both the Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek are categorized as compact SUVs, offering a balance of practicality, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency suitable for city driving and weekend adventures.
- Seating Capacity: Both vehicles comfortably seat five passengers, making them suitable for families or individuals who frequently transport passengers.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: Both offer all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option, enhancing traction and stability in various weather conditions and terrains.
- Modern Technology: Both vehicles are equipped with modern infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and available advanced driver-assistance features.
- Fuel Efficiency: They both offer respectable fuel economy ratings, making them relatively economical choices for daily commuting and longer trips.
Nissan Rogue Sport Vs Subaru Crosstrek Buying Guide
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Both the Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek offer respectable fuel economy, making them economical choices for daily driving. The Rogue Sport often edges out the Crosstrek in city MPG, particularly in its base trim. However, the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive can sometimes lead to slightly lower highway MPG figures. Consider your typical driving environment and needs when comparing fuel efficiency. Beyond MPG, factor in potential maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and the price of replacement parts for each vehicle to get a holistic view of running costs. Researching these costs can help make an informed decision.
Performance and Handling
The Nissan Rogue Sport typically provides a more agile and responsive driving experience, thanks to its smaller size and potentially more peppy engine options. The Subaru Crosstrek, while not a powerhouse, offers a balanced performance profile with a focus on off-road capability. Its standard all-wheel drive system gives it an advantage in adverse weather conditions or on unpaved roads. Consider your preferences for on-road handling versus off-road versatility. Evaluate the acceleration, braking performance, and overall feel of each vehicle during a test drive to determine which suits your driving style better.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek generally provides a more spacious interior than the Rogue Sport, especially in the rear seats and cargo area. It offers a more comfortable ride for passengers, particularly on longer journeys. The Rogue Sport, while smaller, still provides adequate space for a compact SUV. Consider your typical passenger and cargo needs when making your decision. Examine the legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity of each vehicle. Pay attention to the quality of the materials and the comfort of the seats during your test drive.
Technology and Features
Both vehicles offer a range of technology features, including infotainment systems, driver-assistance technologies, and smartphone integration. The Nissan Rogue Sport often includes features such as Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, with advanced driver-assistance systems. The Subaru Crosstrek is known for its EyeSight driver-assist technology. Compare the specific features offered by each vehicle, such as touchscreen size, connectivity options, and safety features. Evaluate the user-friendliness of the infotainment system and the effectiveness of the driver-assistance technologies.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek have earned good safety ratings from major safety organizations. Subaru vehicles are known for their strong build quality and reliability, often performing well in long-term ownership. Nissan has also improved its reliability in recent years. Review the safety ratings and consider the features each vehicle offers, such as airbags, electronic stability control, and driver-assistance systems. Research reliability ratings from independent sources and consider the length of the warranty offered by each manufacturer.
Price and Value
The price of the Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek will vary based on the trim level and options selected. Consider the base price, as well as the price of the features you consider essential. Evaluate the overall value proposition of each vehicle, taking into account the features offered, the fuel efficiency, the reliability, and the resale value. Research the current market value of both vehicles to gain a better understanding of how they depreciate over time. Consider any incentives or special financing offers that may be available.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Nissan Rogue Sport If…
- You prioritize a slightly more affordable starting price point.
- You prefer a vehicle with a more compact footprint for easier city parking and maneuverability.
- You appreciate Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features.
- You prefer a more conventional CVT transmission.
Buy Subaru Crosstrek If…
- You require standard all-wheel drive for enhanced off-road capability and all-weather performance.
- You value a higher ground clearance for tackling rougher terrain or navigating snowy conditions.
- You want a vehicle with a reputation for strong resale value and reliability.
- You prefer a vehicle with a larger cargo capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in fuel efficiency?
The Nissan Rogue Sport often has a slight edge in city fuel economy, especially in its base trims. The Subaru Crosstrek’s all-wheel drive can impact highway MPG. Real-world fuel economy varies based on driving conditions. Consider your driving environment and typical driving habits when comparing these two vehicles. Both are relatively fuel-efficient for their class. Always check the EPA estimates.
Which car offers a better driving experience?
The Nissan Rogue Sport provides a more nimble and responsive driving feel, better suited for urban environments. The Subaru Crosstrek, while not a speed demon, prioritizes balanced performance and off-road capability. Test drive both to assess which handling characteristics best match your needs. Consider your daily driving needs and preferred driving style.
How do the interiors compare in terms of space?
The Subaru Crosstrek typically offers more interior space, especially in the rear seats and cargo area, making it a better choice if you frequently carry passengers or cargo. The Rogue Sport provides adequate space for a compact SUV. Consider your passenger and cargo needs when comparing the two vehicles. Evaluate legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity.
What technology features are available in each car?
Both the Rogue Sport and Crosstrek offer modern technology features, including infotainment systems with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration. The Rogue Sport often includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite. Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology. Compare specific features such as screen size, connectivity, and safety systems.
How do their safety ratings compare?
Both the Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek have earned good safety ratings from major safety organizations. Subaru’s are known for strong build quality. Research specific safety features and ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. Both cars come equipped with a suite of safety features to keep you safe on the road.
Which car is better for off-road driving?
The Subaru Crosstrek, with its standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance, is better suited for off-road driving than the Nissan Rogue Sport. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads or in adverse weather conditions, the Crosstrek will likely be the better choice. The Crosstrek is built for light off-roading.
Which car represents a better value for the money?
Value depends on your priorities. Consider features, fuel efficiency, reliability, and resale value. Research market prices and compare trim levels. Evaluate the overall package offered by each vehicle. Factor in any special offers or incentives. Both offer good value in the compact SUV segment. Test drive and compare features.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek depends on your priorities. The Rogue Sport offers a more agile driving experience and potentially better city MPG. The Crosstrek excels in space, off-road capability, and standard all-wheel drive. The Crosstrek often provides a more rugged and versatile vehicle. Consider your needs carefully.
Winner: Subaru Crosstrek