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Subaru forester vs nissan rogue: the suv showdown for families and adventurers

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Nissan Rogue offers a slightly more spacious interior and a more comprehensive suite of standard features.
  • The Forester excels in off-road capability and safety features, while the Rogue offers a more spacious interior and a more comprehensive suite of standard features.
  • The Subaru Forester has a slight advantage in highway fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg compared to 32 mpg for the Nissan Rogue.

In the realm of compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue stand out as two formidable contenders. With their spacious interiors, capable performance, and advanced features, these vehicles are highly sought after by families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue to help you make an informed decision about which SUV best suits your needs.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Subaru Forester:

  • Powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque
  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for superior traction in all conditions
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway

Nissan Rogue:

  • Equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for enhanced stability and control
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway

Edge: Both vehicles offer comparable performance and fuel efficiency, with the Forester having a slight advantage in highway fuel economy.

Interior Space and Comfort

Subaru Forester:

  • Spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats for increased cargo capacity
  • Standard features include heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Nissan Rogue:

  • Roomy interior with generous seating space and a panoramic moonroof
  • Divide-N-Hide Cargo System for versatile storage options
  • Standard features include heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Edge: The Nissan Rogue offers a slightly more spacious interior and a more comprehensive suite of standard features.

Safety Features

Subaru Forester:

  • Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking
  • Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Nissan Rogue:

  • Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring
  • Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS

Edge: The Subaru Forester has a slight edge in safety features, with its standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite.

Technology and Connectivity

Subaru Forester:

  • StarLink Multimedia Plus infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
  • Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a subscription-based navigation system
  • Optional features include a 9-inch touchscreen, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system

Nissan Rogue:

  • NissanConnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
  • Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a subscription-based navigation system
  • Optional features include a 9-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system

Edge: Both vehicles offer similar technology and connectivity features, with the Nissan Rogue having a slight advantage in screen size options.

Off-Road Capability

Subaru Forester:

  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with X-Mode for enhanced off-road performance
  • 8.7 inches of ground clearance
  • Optional features include a dual-function X-Mode with hill descent control

Nissan Rogue:

  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system with off-road mode
  • 8.2 inches of ground clearance
  • Optional features include a hill descent control system

Edge: The Subaru Forester has a clear advantage in off-road capability, with its more advanced AWD system and higher ground clearance.

Pricing and Value

Subaru Forester:

  • Starting MSRP: $25,195
  • Offers a wide range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets
  • Excellent resale value and low maintenance costs

Nissan Rogue:

  • Starting MSRP: $26,050
  • Offers a similar range of trim levels and options
  • Good resale value and comparable maintenance costs

Edge: The Subaru Forester has a slight price advantage, while the Nissan Rogue offers a more comprehensive suite of standard features.

The Bottom Line: The Best Choice for You

The Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and technology. The Forester excels in off-road capability and safety features, while the Rogue offers a more spacious interior and a more comprehensive suite of standard features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

FAQ

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: Both vehicles have comparable engine power, with the Subaru Forester producing 182 horsepower and the Nissan Rogue producing 181 horsepower.

Q: Which SUV gets better gas mileage?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slight advantage in highway fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg compared to 32 mpg for the Nissan Rogue.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Nissan Rogue offers slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Forester, with 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row of seats compared to 35.4 cubic feet.

Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Forester has a clear advantage in off-road capability, with its more advanced AWD system and higher ground clearance.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue have Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS, indicating excellent safety performance.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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