2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Nissan Rogue often boils down to whether you prioritize rugged capability or city efficiency when you are looking at entry-level crossovers starting near the $30,000 mark. The Outback, starting at $29,995, comes standard with legendary All-Wheel Drive, though its 182 hp engine returns a 28 MPG combined, which is 4 MPG less than the Rogue’s 32 MPG combined. The Rogue undercuts the Subaru slightly on price at $29,090 and offers significantly more punch with 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Rogue's shorter length (183.0 inches vs. 191.1 inches for the Outback), cargo space is similar, with the Outback offering 32.6 cubic feet compared to the Rogue’s 31.6 cubic feet. Ultimately, the decision hinges on daily fuel savings versus foundational traction.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior 32 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Outback's 28 MPG.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback provides slightly more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and standard AWD for varied family trips.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue offers enthusiast appeal with considerably more power, boasting 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue offers better overall utility for the lower starting MSRP of $29,090 compared to the Outback's $29,995.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You absolutely need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for adverse weather or rough roads.
- You prefer the extra 1.1 inches of overall vehicle length (191.1 inches) for a larger road presence.
- You want the slightly greater cargo capacity, measuring 32.6 cu ft versus the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Saving money at the pump is a high priority, leveraging its 4 MPG advantage (32 MPG combined).
- You prioritize quicker acceleration provided by its 201 hp engine versus the Outback's 182 hp.
- You are comfortable with Front Wheel Drive as your primary setup, saving complexity and cost.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 183.0" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.4" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 29/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 420.5/522.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 54.1 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2026 Nissan Rogue.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Outback and 2026 Rogue?
The 2026 Rogue is substantially more powerful, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Outback offers a more modest 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Nissan Rogue?
The Rogue wins handily on efficiency, achieving a combined 32 MPG compared to the Outback's 28 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference translates to fewer stops at the pump, especially on the highway where the Rogue achieves 36 MPG.
Which vehicle is better suited for highway commuters based on MPG?
The Rogue is the better choice for commuters, achieving 36 MPG on the highway versus the Outback's 32 MPG highway rating. Both use regular unleaded fuel, minimizing running costs.
If I need standard traction control, which vehicle should I look at?
The 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, making it the obvious choice for drivers expecting to encounter snow or slippery conditions regularly. The 2026 Rogue comes standard in Front Wheel Drive.
How do their MSRPs compare for the base trims?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue has a slightly lower starting price at $29,090, whereas the 2025 Subaru Outback begins at $29,995. This nearly $900 difference influences the overall value proposition significantly.
Are the physical sizes very different between these two crossovers?
The Outback is the longer vehicle at 191.1 inches in length compared to the Rogue's 183.0 inches, though they are very similar in width. Despite its shorter length, the Rogue is slightly taller at 66.5 inches.
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