The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is popular. There’s plenty of good reasons to back up its cool kid status, though. It’s rugged, capable, and is plenty fun to drive. But how does it compare to other compact SUVs in its segment? Say, the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport specifically? Well, unfortunately for the Rogue Sport, this year’s Subaru Crosstrek is pretty hard to beat.

What the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has going for it

Driven by a 152-hp 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that has what it takes to please a variety of automotive wants and needs. It’s fuel-efficient and, according to Consumer Reports, ties with the Honda HR-V for best among nonhybrid modes in its segment.

It offers a standout interior too. While there are some hard plastic surfaces to be seen, Consumer Reports says the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek’s interior “has just enough soft-touch elements and contrasting trim to get the job done.” Add in good visibility, spacious rear seats, and features like standard high-beam assist and this year’s Crosstrek is practically irresistible.

What the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport has going for it

At the heart of the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that Nissan claims delivers up to 28 MPG combined. Also available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, this compact SUV is able to monitor driving conditions and adapt accordingly.

Its interior is nothing to scoff at either, and according to Consumer Reports is actually pretty similar to that of the Crosstrek’s. There is plenty of room for passengers, and the Nissan Rogue Sport comes with all of the usual tech features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is better to drive

In its tests, Consumer Reports reported that the Subaru Crosstrek is a “fairly sporty handler,” adding that, “we found it to be more fun than the Rogue Sport when we tackled the corners of our test track.” Consumer Reports said that the Crosstrek performed pretty well in its avoidance maneuver too, which includes swerving to avoid an obstacle at a high rate of speed.

In the end, Consumer Reports says that the Rogue Sport is “pretty much sporty in name only.” While Consumer Reports found the Rogue Sport was able to handle its avoidance maneuver, the compact SUV wasn’t as ”eager to take on twisty roads like the Crosstrek.” 

The Rogue Sport will have you stopping at the pump more frequently

Though neither of these compact SUVs could be considered gas guzzlers, one is more fuel-efficient than the other. In its tests, Consumer Reports found the Crosstrek delivered 29 mpg overall while the Rogue Sport delivered 26 mpg overall. When hitting the highway, the Nissan got 34 mpg versus the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek’s 39 mpg. The Rogue Sport’s tank holds 2.1 gallons less than the Crosstrek too.

In the end, according to Consumer Reports, if you choose the Nissan Rogue Sport, those test results mean that you’ll be stopping at the pump pretty regularly. By their teams’ estimates, the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport can go only 375 miles between stops at the pump, while the Subaru can cover as many as 480 miles. 

The Rogue Sport isn’t very comfortable

Comfort is key when getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately for the Nissan Rogue Sport, Consumer Reports wasn’t all that happy with its seating arrangements, explaining that, “If you aren’t the driver and don’t claim the front seat fast enough, it’s likely that you won’t enjoy your trip in the Rogue Sport as much as your friends up front do.” From its low roofline to its lack of underleg support, Consumer Reports says the Nissan Rogue Sport “can make even short trips feel tiring.” 

You can’t go wrong with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

In the end, if you have to choose between these two compact SUVs, we recommend choosing the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. While the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport isn’t a bad vehicle, when compared to the Subaru Crosstrek, it just doesn’t stack up is all.