Key points
- The Forester returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with its base engine, while the Altima delivers 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with its 2.
- The Forester provides a more generous amount of headroom and legroom in both rows, making it a comfortable choice for taller individuals or families with young children.
- The Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima come equipped with a range of technology and safety features to enhance your driving experience and protect you on the road.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile vehicle, the Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima stand out as two popular options. Both models offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and practicality, making them ideal for various lifestyles and driving needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits you best.
Performance and Efficiency:
The Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima offer distinct powertrain options that cater to different driving preferences. The Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Altima, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that generates 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 236 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a CVT, ensuring a refined and responsive driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester slightly edges out the Nissan Altima. The Forester returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with its base engine, while the Altima delivers 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with its 2.5-liter engine. However, the Altima’s turbocharged engine sacrifices some fuel efficiency, achieving 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Off-Road Capability:
The Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima exhibit different characteristics when it comes to handling and off-road capability. The Forester boasts a more rugged and adventurous nature, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system and higher ground clearance. The AWD system provides excellent traction and stability in various weather and road conditions, making the Forester a capable performer on unpaved roads or light off-road trails. The Altima, on the other hand, is primarily designed for on-road driving and features a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout. While it offers composed handling and a comfortable ride, it lacks the off-road prowess of the Forester.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity:
Both the Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima offer spacious interiors with ample room for passengers and cargo. The Forester provides a more generous amount of headroom and legroom in both rows, making it a comfortable choice for taller individuals or families with young children. The Altima, while not as roomy as the Forester, still offers adequate space for most passengers. When it comes to cargo capacity, the Forester takes the lead with 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Altima offers a respectable 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which can be expanded to 43.8 cubic feet by folding the rear seats.
Technology and Safety Features:
The Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima come equipped with a range of technology and safety features to enhance your driving experience and protect you on the road. The Forester features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and navigation capabilities. It also offers a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Altima also boasts a modern infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone connectivity, and navigation. In terms of safety, the Altima offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including intelligent cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima offer distinct advantages and drawbacks, catering to different needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability, spaciousness, and a rugged design, the Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. Its AWD system, higher ground clearance, and ample cargo space make it a versatile vehicle for outdoor adventures and family road trips. On the other hand, if you seek a more refined driving experience, better fuel efficiency, and a sleek sedan design, the Nissan Altima is a compelling option. Its comfortable ride, advanced technology features, and spacious interior make it an ideal choice for daily commutes and long-distance drives.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Factors to Consider
1. Reliability and Maintenance: Both the Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima have a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. However, the Forester has consistently ranked higher in reliability surveys, indicating that it may require fewer repairs over time.
2. Brand Reputation and Resale Value: Subaru and Nissan are both well-established and respected automotive brands. The Forester and Altima have strong resale values, making them good choices for those looking to sell their vehicles in the future.
3. Availability and Price: The Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima are both widely available at dealerships across the country. Their pricing is competitive, with the Forester typically starting at a slightly higher price point than the Altima.
4. Test Drive and Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best way to decide between the Subaru Forester and Nissan Altima is to take both vehicles for a test drive. This will allow you to experience their performance, handling, and features firsthand and determine which one best suits your driving style and needs.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester or Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima offers better fuel efficiency than the Subaru Forester, especially with its 2.5-liter engine.
2. Does the Subaru Forester have more cargo space than the Nissan Altima?
Yes, the Subaru Forester provides more cargo space than the Nissan Altima, both behind the rear seats and with the rear seats folded down.
3. Which vehicle is more capable off-road, the Subaru Forester or Nissan Altima?
The Subaru Forester is more capable off-road than the Nissan Altima due to its standard AWD system and higher ground clearance.
4. Is the Nissan Altima more technologically advanced than the Subaru Forester?
Both vehicles offer a range of technology features, but the Nissan Altima may have a slight edge in terms of infotainment system capabilities and driver assistance technologies.
5. Which vehicle is more reliable and has lower maintenance costs, the Subaru Forester or Nissan Altima?
The Subaru Forester has a reputation for higher reliability and lower maintenance costs compared to the Nissan Altima.