Nissan Rogue vs. Subaru Outback: Which SUV Is Right for You?

Ready for adventure? Compare the Subaru Outback vs. Nissan Rogue to see which SUV offers superior AWD, off-road capability, and space. Explore the Outback at Hicks Family Subaru today!

The Nissan Rouge and Subaru Outback are great options for family-friendly vehicles that are just as ready for an off-road adventure as they are for the school drop-off line. But you’re likely only ready to invest in one vehicle, so how do you know which options is right for your family and lifestyle? We offer a side-by-side comparison to help you determine whether the Outback or Rogue should be your next SUV. 

Adventure-Ready Performance: Subaru Outback vs. Nissan Rogue

When you need to be trail-ready at a moment’s notice, you want your vehicle equipped with the right drivetrain. That means having all-wheel drive (AWD) that can handle everything from smooth city streets to rocky, off-road terrain. Here’s how the AWD options for the Outback and Rogue compare:

• Subaru Outback: Comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for superior traction on all terrains.
• Nissan Rogue: Offers AWD as an option but comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Key Takeaway: If you want AWD without an added cost, the Outback is the better choice.

Ground Clearance & Off-Road Capability

Whether you’re camping with your car or just enjoying the road less traveled, ground clearance is crucial for tackling those off-road adventures. Let’s compare the off-roading capabilities and ground clearance of the Rogue and Outback to see which may be the better fit for your adventurous lifestyle. 

Subaru Outback:

• 8.7 inches of ground clearance (even higher on the Wilderness trim)
• X-MODE® for optimized traction on slippery or rough terrain

Nissan Rogue:

• 8.2 inches of ground clearance
• Lacks an equivalent off-road system like X-MODE®

Key Takeaway: Outback’s higher ground clearance and off-road features make it the go-to SUV for adventure seekers.

Need to Haul Gear? Towing Capacity

Campers, boats, windsurfing boards — there are countless toys and gear you may need to haul around Corpus for your next adventure. Make sure your new SUV is up to the task. 

• Subaru Outback: Tows up to 2,700 lbs to 3,500 lbs (when properly equipped)
• Nissan Rogue: Tows up to 1,500 lbs

Key Takeaway: If you plan to tow a small camper, boat, or trailer, the Outback offers more capability.

Interior Space & Comfort

Your SUV is for more than beach driving and camping trips. Whether you’re heading to the grocery store for dinner ingredients, taking the kids to school, or commuting to work, you want every drive to be smooth and comfortable. You’ll need plenty of space for your, your passengers, and any items you need to bring along. 

• Subaru Outback:
  • Up to 109 cubic feet of passenger space.
  • Cargo capacity: 75.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

• Nissan Rogue:

• Slightly smaller interior with 105 cubic feet of passenger space.
• Cargo capacity: 74.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

Key Takeaway: Outback provides more room for passengers and gear, making it ideal for road trips and outdoor adventures.

Safety & Technology

When driving yourself or loved ones around, you want to feel secure in your ride. Here’s how the safety features of both SUVs compare. 

• Subaru Outback comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, including:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
  • Pre-Collision Braking
  • Lane Departure and Sway Warning

• Nissan Rogue Standard Safety Shield® 360, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Automatic Braking

Key Takeaway: Both SUVs offer great safety tech.

Which SUV Is Right for Your Next Adventure?

When comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Nissan Rogue, only you can know which is right for your driving needs. However, this breakdown may help you make a decision. 

Choose the Subaru Outback if you:

• Need standard AWD for all-weather driving.
• Want higher ground clearance and off-road capability.
• Require more towing power for outdoor gear.
• Prefer a spacious, adventure-ready SUV.

Choose the Nissan Rogue if you:

• Want a city-friendly SUV with good fuel efficiency.
• Prefer a slightly smaller size for urban driving.

Test Drive the Subaru Outback Today

Still deciding between the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Outback? Let us help! Visit Hicks Family Subaru to experience the Outback’s superior performance, safety, and versatility for yourself. You can even explore other great off-roading vehicles like the Forester and Crosstrek and see how they stack up against the Outback. Schedule your test drive today and see why Subaru is built for life’s adventures!