What To Know
- The Rogue with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- The Subaru Forester with front-wheel drive earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version gets 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- The Rogue earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from the IIHS, while the Forester also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS.
In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester. Both vehicles boast impressive features, spacious cabins, and capable performance. However, car shoppers often wonder, “is Nissan Rogue bigger than Subaru Forester?” This comprehensive comparison delves into the dimensions, features, and capabilities of these two popular SUVs to determine which one emerges victorious.
Head-to-Head Dimensions: A Tale of Inches
When it comes to overall dimensions, the Nissan Rogue holds a slight edge over the Subaru Forester. The Rogue measures 183.5 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 66.1 inches in height, while the Forester comes in at 182.1 inches long, 71.8 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. The Rogue’s marginally larger footprint translates into a more spacious interior, particularly in terms of cargo capacity. Behind the second row of seats, the Rogue offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Forester provides 35.4 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded down, the Rogue’s cargo capacity expands to a generous 74.1 cubic feet compared to the Forester’s 76.1 cubic feet.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Symphony of Amenities
Both the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester prioritize comfort and convenience for their occupants. Both SUVs offer a range of standard and available features to enhance the driving experience. The Rogue boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Forester counters with its intuitive Starlink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen and similar smartphone integration options.
In terms of seating comfort, the Rogue and Forester offer supportive and well-cushioned seats. However, the Rogue’s slightly larger dimensions provide more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Additionally, the Rogue offers more rear-seat recline options, allowing passengers to find their ideal seating position.
Powertrain Performance: A Balancing Act of Power and Efficiency
When it comes to powertrain options, the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester offer a variety of choices to suit different driving needs and preferences. The Rogue comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Forester, on the other hand, offers a choice between two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a CVT, providing a refined and responsive driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Nissan Rogue holds a slight advantage. The Rogue with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Subaru Forester with front-wheel drive earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version gets 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features: A Commitment to Passenger Protection
Both the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester prioritize passenger safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features. The Rogue comes equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forester, on the other hand, boasts Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety technologies, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
In terms of crash test ratings, both SUVs have received top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Rogue earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from the IIHS, while the Forester also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS.
Off-Road Capability: Embracing the Great Outdoors
While both the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester are primarily designed for urban and suburban driving, they offer varying degrees of off-road capability for those who venture beyond paved roads. The Rogue features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most traction, providing enhanced stability and control in slippery conditions. The Forester, on the other hand, boasts Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which continuously distributes power to all four wheels, ensuring optimal traction and handling in various terrains.
Additionally, the Forester offers a higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches compared to the Rogue’s 8.2 inches, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain. However, both SUVs lack dedicated off-road features such as skid plates or low-range gearing, limiting their capabilities in more challenging off-road environments.
The Verdict: A Close Call with a Clear Winner
After a thorough examination of their dimensions, features, performance, safety, and off-road capabilities, the Nissan Rogue emerges as the victor in this head-to-head comparison. Its slightly larger interior, more spacious cargo area, and marginally better fuel efficiency give it an edge over the Subaru Forester. Additionally, the Rogue’s user-friendly infotainment system and more comfortable rear seats enhance the overall driving experience.
While the Forester offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option and a slightly higher ground clearance, these advantages are outweighed by the Rogue’s overall strengths. Ultimately, the Nissan Rogue delivers a more well-rounded package that caters to a wider range of driving needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
1. Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity: the Nissan Rogue or the Subaru Forester?
The Nissan Rogue offers a slightly larger cargo capacity than the Subaru Forester. Behind the second row of seats, the Rogue provides 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Forester’s 35.4 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded down, the Rogue’s cargo capacity expands to 74.1 cubic feet, while the Forester’s reaches 76.1 cubic feet.
2. Which SUV offers a more powerful engine option?
The Subaru Forester offers a more powerful engine option than the Nissan Rogue. The Forester’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Rogue’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
3. Which SUV has a higher ground clearance?
The Subaru Forester has a higher ground clearance than the Nissan Rogue. The Forester’s ground clearance measures 8.7 inches, while the Rogue’s ground clearance is 8.2 inches.
