2026 Nissan Rogue vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2026 Nissan Rogue and the 2026 Subaru Forester often comes down to prioritizing fuel efficiency versus standard capability. If your daily drive involves mostly pavement and you watch the gas pump closely, the Rogue pulls ahead with a strong 32 MPG combined rating, versus the Forester's 29 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Rogue offers slightly more pep, generating 201 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp, which might be noticeable when merging onto highways. However, the Forester steps up in utility with a taller stance at 68.1 inches high and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), contrasting with the Rogue's standard FWD setup. Priced similarly—the Rogue at $29,090 and the Forester at $29,995—the core difference is Rogue’s efficiency advantage against the Forester’s inherent traction superiority. The Rogue also offers slightly more traditional cargo space at 31.6 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Rogue
The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 32 MPG.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is better for families needing varied capability because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and has a taller height of 68.1 inches.
2026 Nissan Rogue
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Rogue as it offers 21 more horsepower (201 hp vs 180 hp) and greater torque (225 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft).
2026 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue provides better immediate running costs and slightly more power for a lower starting MSRP of $29,090.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- You need the best possible fuel economy, boasting a 36 MPG highway rating.
- You want the strongest engine performance with 201 horsepower on tap.
- You prioritize maximum cargo volume, as the Rogue offers 31.6 cubic feet.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- All-weather security is paramount, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer a taller ride height for better visibility, standing at 68.1 inches tall.
- You value the slightly lower starting price for an AWD vehicle, even if its base MSRP is $905 higher than Car 1's entry point.
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) | 29/36 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 420.5/522.0 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 | 235/65R17 | 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Nissan Rogue and 2026 Subaru Forester.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for city driving: the Rogue or the Forester?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue holds the advantage in city efficiency, rated at 29 MPG in the city compared to the 2026 Subaru Forester's 26 MPG city rating. This difference of 3 MPG means fewer stops at the pump for Rogue owners.
Does the base AWD system in the Forester justify its higher horsepower loss compared to the Rogue?
The Forester includes standard AWD, providing better traction in slippery conditions, which many buyers feel outweighs the Rogue's 21 extra horsepower advantage. However, the Rogue is technically the more powerful vehicle outright, offering 225 lb-ft of torque versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
How do the base prices compare between the 2026 Rogue and the 2026 Forester?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue starts at a more approachable MSRP of $29,090. The 2026 Subaru Forester has a slightly higher starting price of $29,995, which covers the cost of its standard AWD system.
If I carry lots of gear, which crossover offers more space behind the second row?
The 2026 Nissan Rogue wins in overall standard cargo room, offering 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Subaru Forester trails slightly with 29.6 cubic feet of storage capacity.
Are there significant differences in their physical size dimensions?
They are very similar in length (183.0 inches for Rogue vs 183.3 for Forester) and width, but the Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches compared to the Rogue's 66.5 inches. This extra height contributes to the Forester's commanding stance.
Do both vehicles use premium fuel?
No, thankfully neither vehicle requires premium fuel for their base engines; both the 2026 Nissan Rogue and the 2026 Subaru Forester are designed to run perfectly well on regular unleaded gasoline.
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