2025 Nissan Rogue vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Rogue roars into the comparison with a clear performance edge, boasting 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, immediately appealing to those seeking spirited acceleration over the 2026 Subaru Forester’s 180 hp output. The Rogue also pulls ahead significantly in frugality, achieving an outstanding 33 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the Forester's 29 MPG combined rating—a crucial difference for daily drivers. However, the Forester stands tall, literally, at 68.1 inches high compared to the Rogue’s 66.5 inches, offering better perceived headroom, while both occupy nearly identical footprints near 183 inches in length. Priced slightly lower at $28,590 versus the Forester’s $29,995 MSRP, the Rogue blends its potent 21 hp advantage with superior economy, forcing buyers to weigh efficiency and power against the Forester's standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Rogue
The 2025 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester offers a taller stance at 68.1 inches, providing superior passenger volume and headroom for family hauling.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The 2025 Nissan Rogue offers noticeably more muscle with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue provides 21 more horsepower and 4 more miles per gallon for a $1,405 lower starting MSRP of $28,590.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- You prioritize better fuel efficiency, specifically the 33 MPG combined rating.
- You crave more assertive power delivery, thanks to the 201 horsepower engine.
- You are looking to save upfront, as the MSRP starts $1,405 lower at $28,590.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for all-weather confidence.
- You prefer a slightly taller cabin experience, reflected by its 68.1-inch height.
- You desire the specific driving characteristics often associated with Subaru's AWD system, despite lower power figures.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Rogue | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.0" | 183.3" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 66.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/37 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 435.0/536.5 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R17 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Rogue and 2026 Subaru Forester.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Rogue and the 2026 Forester?
The performance difference is clear; the Rogue packs 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, which is substantially more invigorating than the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This 21 hp advantage means the Rogue will feel quicker off the line.
Which crossover offers better running costs based on fuel economy?
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is the clear winner here, delivering 33 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Forester is rated lower at 29 MPG combined, meaning the Rogue will save you significant money at the pump over yearly mileage.
If I drive frequently in snowy or unpaved conditions, which crossover is better equipped?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is inherently better equipped as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Rogue specification provided is Front Wheel Drive. This mechanical difference gives the Forester greater traction potential.
Is the 2025 Rogue smaller than the 2026 Forester?
They are virtually the same size externally; the Rogue measures 183.0 inches long, slightly shorter than the Forester’s 183.3 inches. The Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches versus the Rogue's 66.5 inches, which might translate to a roomier feel inside.
Does the difference in cargo capacity affect daily utility?
Yes, slightly; the Rogue offers 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, beating the Forester’s 29.6 cubic feet. For loading larger items, the Rogue provides 2 cubic feet more room when the seats are up.
How much more does the higher performance Rogue cost compared to the AWD Forester?
Surprisingly, the higher-performing Nissan Rogue is less expensive initially, starting at $28,590 MSRP, while the less powerful but AWD-equipped Subaru Forester begins at $29,995 MSRP.
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