2023 Nissan Rogue Vs Subaru Forester: Which Compact Suv Reigns Supreme?

The Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and impressive fuel efficiency. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Nissan Rogue against the Subaru Forester to see which one comes out on top.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Close Match with Different Strengths

Engine Power and Acceleration: Under the hood, the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offer distinct powertrain options. The Rogue boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides adequate acceleration and a smooth ride. On the other hand, the Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the power difference is negligible, the Forester’s engine feels more refined and responsive.

Fuel Efficiency: In terms of fuel efficiency, both the Rogue and Forester deliver impressive numbers. The Rogue achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces those figures to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Forester, on the other hand, offers slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space: A Battle of Space and Refinement

Passenger Comfort: Both the Rogue and Forester offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Rogue’s cabin features supportive seats, ample legroom, and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Forester’s interior is equally accommodating, with comfortable seats and plenty of space for passengers of all sizes. However, the Forester’s rear seats offer slightly more legroom, making it a better choice for taller passengers.

Cargo Capacity: When it comes to cargo space, the Rogue and Forester offer comparable capacities. With the rear seats up, the Rogue provides 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Forester offers 35.4 cubic feet. Folding down the rear seats expands the Rogue’s cargo capacity to 74.1 cubic feet, while the Forester offers a slightly larger 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance Systems: A Focus on All-Around Protection

Safety Features: The Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers protected. Both vehicles offer standard features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Additionally, the Rogue and Forester offer a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

ADAS Comparison: While both vehicles offer impressive safety features, the Subaru Forester stands out with its standard EyeSight® suite of ADAS. This system includes features like pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The Nissan Rogue’s ProPILOT Assist system, available on higher trim levels, offers similar features, but it is not as comprehensive as the Forester’s EyeSight® system.

Off-Road Capabilities: Adventure-Ready or City-Bound?

All-Wheel Drive Systems: Both the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offer all-wheel drive (AWD) systems for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions. The Rogue’s AWD system, known as Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, automatically adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels based on road conditions. The Forester’s AWD system, called Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, is a full-time AWD system that provides continuous power to all four wheels.

Ground Clearance: When it comes to ground clearance, the Subaru Forester has a slight advantage over the Nissan Rogue. The Forester offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while the Rogue offers 8.2 inches. This difference may not seem significant, but it can make a difference when tackling rough terrain or navigating deep snow.

Technology and Infotainment: Keeping You Connected and Entertained

Infotainment Systems: The Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester offer user-friendly infotainment systems to keep you connected and entertained on your journeys. The Rogue’s infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and a six-speaker audio system. The Forester’s infotainment system also features an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and a six-speaker audio system. However, the Forester’s system offers a more intuitive interface and a few additional features, such as satellite radio and navigation.

Additional Tech Features: Both the Rogue and Forester offer a range of additional technology features to enhance your driving experience. The Rogue offers features such as a panoramic sunroof, a Bose® premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad. The Forester offers features such as a dual-screen infotainment system, a Harmon Kardon® premium audio system, and a digital instrument cluster.

Warranty and Maintenance Costs: Peace of Mind and Financial Considerations

Warranty Coverage: Both the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester come with competitive warranty coverage. The Rogue offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Forester offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, the Forester offers a five-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance program, while the Rogue offers a three-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance program.

Maintenance Costs: When it comes to maintenance costs, the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are relatively comparable. Both vehicles require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations. However, the Forester may have slightly lower maintenance costs over the long term due to its longer warranty coverage and its reputation for reliability.

Verdict: Choosing the Perfect Compact SUV for Your Needs

The Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and impressive fuel efficiency. However, each vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Rogue offers a more powerful engine, while the Forester offers slightly better fuel economy and a more comprehensive suite of ADAS features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize power and acceleration, the Nissan Rogue is the better choice. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, safety features, and off-road capabilities, the Subaru Forester is the better choice. Test drive both vehicles to experience their unique characteristics and make an informed decision.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, but the Subaru Forester has slightly more legroom in the rear seats, making it a better choice for taller passengers.

Q: Which vehicle has a better infotainment system?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more intuitive infotainment system with a few additional features, such as satellite radio and navigation.

Q: Which vehicle has a longer warranty?
A: Both vehicles offer a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Subaru Forester offers a five-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance program, while the Nissan Rogue offers a three-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance program.

Q: Which vehicle has lower maintenance costs?
A: The Subaru Forester may have slightly lower maintenance costs over the long term due to its longer warranty coverage and its reputation for reliability.

Q: Which vehicle is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Forester has slightly better off-road capabilities due to its higher ground clearance and its full-time AWD system.