VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque
225lb-ft @ 2800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
32 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Rogue delivers 201hp @ 5600 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Rogue returns 32 mpg est. while the Forester uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $31,490 for the Rogue and $29,995 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
225lb-ft @ 2800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28 (Est)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
35 (Est)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183in
183.3in
Width (in)
72.4in
72in
Height (in)
66.5in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
106.5in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3657lbs
3510lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Rogue
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rogue
Fuel Economy
Rogue
Value
Forester
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Rogue
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($29,995)
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rogue or Forester?
The Rogue gets 32 mpg est. and the Forester gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rogue is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rogue or Forester?
The Rogue produces 201hp @ 5600 and 225lb-ft @ 2800 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Rogue is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rogue and Forester?
The Rogue starts from $31,490 and the Forester from $29,995. The Forester is cheaper by $1,495 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rogue or Forester?
The Rogue has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rogue or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.