2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Nissan Rogue
Introduction
Shopping for a compact SUV can be overwhelming, especially when two popular choices like the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Nissan Rogue go head-to-head. Both vehicles offer comfort, technology, and versatility - but which one is the better fit for your lifestyle? In this comparison, we'll break down Forester vs. Rogue in everyday terms, focusing on what matters most: performance, fuel efficiency, safety, cargo space, technology, and off-road capability. By the end, you'll see why the Forester just might be the SUV that wins your heart and your driveway.
Performance & Driving Experience
The 2025 Subaru Forester delivers a smooth and capable ride with its 2.5L BOXER® 4-cylinder engine, producing a reliable 180 horsepower. It's not a sports car, but it's plenty peppy for daily driving and merging onto the highway. The Forester's trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) comes standard, giving you sure-footed traction in rain or snow without any extra effort or cost.
By comparison, the 2025 Nissan Rogue offers a smaller but turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower. On paper, the Rogue has a horsepower edge and feels zippy around town. However, that power goes primarily to the front wheels unless you pay extra for AWD. While the Rogue's engine might sprint a bit faster, the Forester's standard AWD and balanced handling inspire confidence on twisty roads and rough terrain. Subaru's low-center-of-gravity BOXER engine design even helps the Forester stay stable through corners.
In everyday terms: the Rogue might win a stoplight drag race, but the Forester delivers consistent grip and poise year-round - a win for anyone facing wet leaves in fall or icy streets in winter.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs are a big consideration for any shopper. The Nissan Rogue, with its small turbo engine, achieves up to 30 MPG city / 37 MPG highway according to EPA estimates. That's excellent for this class, especially if most of your driving is highway cruising.
The Subaru Forester isn't far behind - it's rated at about 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway. While the Rogue squeezes a few more miles from a gallon, it does so with front-wheel drive by default. The Forester's numbers are achieved with permanent AWD engaged, which is a testament to Subaru's efficient engineering.
In day-to-day driving, you might save a couple of dollars per fill-up with the Rogue, but many Forester drivers happily trade that slight MPG difference for the peace of mind of AWD. If fuel efficiency is your absolute top priority and you do a lot of city driving, the Rogue gets a slight nod. But if you're balancing efficiency with all-weather security, the Forester is impressively competitive for an AWD vehicle.
Safety First
When it comes to protecting your family and giving you confidence on the road, the Forester truly shines. Every 2025 Subaru Forester is equipped with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology as standard. This suite includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist.
The Forester has a long-standing reputation for safety and has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 17 consecutive years (2007-2023). The Nissan Rogue is also well-equipped, with Nissan Safety Shield® 360 technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Higher trims offer ProPILOT Assist, which helps with steering and braking on the highway.
Both SUVs earned top scores in crash tests, but Subaru's commitment to safety goes above and beyond. The Forester's extra-standard safety features and long-standing safety pedigree give it a slight edge for the safety-conscious shopper.
Cargo Space & Interior Room
Cargo space is an important factor for SUV buyers. The Nissan Rogue offers about 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, compared to roughly 28 cubic feet in the Forester. The Rogue also features a "Divide-N-Hide" cargo floor, allowing for adjustable storage compartments.
However, the Forester's cargo area is wide and flat, making it easy to load bulky items. With the rear seats folded down, the Forester expands to about 69-75 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching the Rogue's 74 cubic feet. The Forester also provides underfloor storage compartments for emergency kits or valuables.
For passenger space, the Forester's boxy shape results in a more spacious cabin, offering over 110 cubic feet of passenger volume - about five more than the Rogue. Your backseat passengers will appreciate the extra headroom and legroom. While the Rogue wins on paper for cargo capacity, the Forester's smart use of space and roomier cabin make it incredibly practical.
Technology & Infotainment
The 2025 Forester comes with an available 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display on most trims, while the base trim features dual 7-inch screens. Subaru's STARLINK® infotainment system includes standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, with wireless connectivity available.
The 2025 Rogue features an available 12.3-inch touchscreen on upper trims, plus a digital gauge cluster and head-up display. Lower trims come with an 8-inch screen running NissanConnect®, with wireless smartphone connectivity reserved for higher models. The Rogue also offers built-in Google Assistant and Google Maps on select trims.
Both SUVs offer premium sound system upgrades (Harman Kardon® in the Forester vs. Bose® in the Rogue). Subaru includes more standard tech, while Nissan offers a high-tech dashboard on upper trims. Your choice may come down to whether you prefer Subaru's straightforward, user-friendly interface or Nissan's Google-based system.
Off-Road Capability & All-Weather Confidence
For drivers with a sense of adventure, the Forester's off-road capabilities are a major selling point. Every Forester, from Base to Touring, comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard AWD, making it ideal for muddy trails or snowy roads. The Forester's X-MODE® system optimizes traction for conditions like deep snow or dirt at the push of a button.
The Nissan Rogue is more of a soft-roader, offering 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Nissan's Intelligent AWD is an option, not standard, and is primarily front-biased. The new Rogue Rock Creek edition adds all-terrain tires and off-road drive modes, but even with these upgrades, it doesn't match the Forester's full-time symmetrical AWD system.
For drivers who frequently encounter tough road conditions, the Forester is the better choice. The Rogue can handle mild adventures, but for off-road confidence right off the showroom floor, the Forester wins easily.
Conclusion
Both the 2025 Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue are excellent compact SUVs, each catering to different needs. The Rogue boasts more horsepower, slightly better fuel economy, and upscale features on higher trims. However, the Forester excels in key areas that SUV buyers prioritize: standard AWD, renowned safety, a spacious cabin, and rugged versatility.
If you want an SUV built for all seasons and all terrains, the Forester is the smart choice. The best way to decide? Experience it for yourself. Schedule a test drive at RK Subaru of Vineland and discover why so many drivers choose the Forester. Contact us today or visit our Vineland showroom - adventure awaits!
