Nissan
Rogue Sport
Subaru
Crosstrek
Nissan Rogue Sport vs Subaru Crosstrek: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Subaru Crosstrek comes out ahead of the Nissan Rogue Sport on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Rogue Sport
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, dominated by significant and recurrent concerns over powertrain reliability. The vehicle is acknowledged for offering a comfortable, quiet, and smooth ride with a well-equipped interior, particularly in higher trims like the SL, which includes valued features such as the 360-degree camera. However, this is heavily overshadowed by very frequent reports of catastrophic CVT transmission failures, severe engine issues leading to a major recall, and other persistent mechanical problems like radiator fan failures.
Best version to buy
SL Trim: The highest trim level is specifically noted for including the 360-degree surround-view camera system, which multiple owners cite as a critical, relied-upon feature, especially for urban driving. It also includes other premium amenities like a panoramic moonroof, leather interior, and advanced driver aids.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission failure: Complete failure requiring replacement or overhaul, often around 100,000 miles; includes reports of whining, sluggish acceleration, and delayed throttle response from a stop. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine reliability issues / recall: Catastrophic engine failure related to faulty bearings in the 2.5L and VC-Turbo 1.5L 3-cylinder engines, leading to a major safety recall (NHTSA 25V-437); owners report sudden loss of power, unsafe highw…
- ⚠Severe fuel economy degradation: Real-world MPG significantly below EPA estimates; reports of 12-19 MPG in city driving and only 22-23 MPG on combined highway/city trips against ratings of 25 city/32 highway. Frequency: recurrent.
Crosstrek
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a strong reputation for practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. The vehicle is widely praised for its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent ground clearance, and suitability for outdoor lifestyles, including hiking, camping, and driving in harsh winter conditions. Owners frequently cite its reliability, high resale value, and the sense of safety it provides, with specific anecdotes of surviving serious accidents.
Best version to buy
For newer generations (approximately 2018+), models with the upgraded 2.5L engine (e.g., Sport, Outdoor, or Wilderness trims) are consistently recommended over the base 2.0L engine for adequate power. For older generations, the Premium trim is mentioned as a value sweet spot for used buyers, offering a good balance of comfort and price.
Known issues
- ⚠Underpowered base 2.0L engine: described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. Owners recommend the 2.5L. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠CVT transmission concerns: reliability worries beyond 100,000 miles, recommendations for strict fluid change intervals (every 60k miles), laggy throttle response. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Infotainment system lag: touchscreen response delays, slow menu navigation, system freezes requiring restart. Climate controls integrated into touchscreen criticized. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Nissan Rogue Sport, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Nissan Rogue Sport is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Nissan Rogue Sport or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Nissan Rogue Sport and the Subaru Crosstrek. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Nissan Rogue Sport or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Nissan Rogue Sport or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Rogue Sport or the Subaru Crosstrek?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.