Comparing the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester: A Shopper’s Guide

Struggling to decide between the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester? We break down everything—MPG, space, AWD, tech—so you don’t have to stress the SUV search.

When it comes to compact SUVs, the Nissan Rogue vs Subaru Forester is a matchup many South Texas drivers are considering. Both offer reliability, comfort, and a host of tech features that fit perfectly into everyday life. Whether you’re commuting to work, loading up the kids for school, or heading to the coast for a weekend adventure, both the Rogue and the Forester are designed with you in mind — but it’s for that exact reason that choosing between the two can be so difficult. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to be stuck with analysis paralysis forever; we’re here to help you solve your Rogue vs. Forester debate once and for all. Read on to learn how the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester stack up in each category — from performance and fuel economy to space and technology.

To make this comparison as transparent as possible, we are featuring the latest models of each vehicle at the time of writing. All specs refer to the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Nissan Rogue base model, unless specified. 

Performance and Drivetrain

The 2026 Nissan Rogue base model is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter variable compression (VC) engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque — A.K.A plenty of strength for merging onto I-37, even when you’re loaded to the brim with windsurfing gear or towing a small trailer. And thanks to its continuously variable transmission (CVT), that power is delivered smoothly and efficiently. 

The 2025 Subaru Forester base model brings dependable performance with its 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. And like the Rogue, it’s backed by an ultra-smooth CVT. However, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on adventure-ready Rogue trims, every Forester comes standard with a symmetrical AWD system, making it a natural choice for families who want extra grip on sandy coastal trails or during Gulf Coast rains. 

Fuel Economy and Range

Fuel economy is a big deal when you’re commuting between Robstown and Corpus Christi or making frequent family road trips to San Antonio. Fortunately, both the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester boast excellent fuel economy and range, thanks to their powerful small-displacement engines and ultra-efficient CVTs. Here’s how both stack up:

• The 2026 Nissan Rogue FWD models deliver up to 36 MPG on the highway and 29 MPG in the city. AWD trims offer slightly less fuel economy in favor of added utility, providing up to 32–35 MPG on the highway and 27–28 MPG in the city, depending on the model (Rock Creek and Platinum, respectively). That means with a 14.6-gallon tank, you’re looking at a seriously impressive 467–522-mile estimated range on the highway. 
• The 2025 Subaru Forester offers solid fuel economy as well, with up to 33 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG in the city, depending on trim. For drivers wanting to stretch every gallon, the Forester Hybrid models can provide up to 34 MPG on the highway and 35 MPG in the city. So, on a single 16.6-gallon fuel tank, you can travel up to nearly 548–564 miles on the highway — that’s almost from Corpus Christi to San Antonio and back, twice. 

Interior Space and Comfort

Fortunately, both the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are quite spacious and built with comfort and convenience in mind. 

The Nissan Rogue features Zero Gravity front seats that reduce fatigue on long drives and boasts a spacious cabin with plenty of rear seat room for family and friends. With 36.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and 74.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row seats folded, you’ll have no trouble packing coolers, chairs, and beach gear for a day at Padre Island. And if you want more luxury, optional features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and multi-zone climate control can make your ride even more comfortable. 

The Subaru Forester brings similar comfort to your drive with an airy cabin that feels welcoming for both drivers and passengers. With up to 29.6 cubic feet of passenger volume with the rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seat lowered, its space compares well with the Rogue, striking the perfect balance between family road-tripping vehicle and adventure-ready rig. 

Technology and Safety Features

When it comes to infotainment and safety, neither vehicle slouches. The Nissan Rogue effortlessly blends modern convenience with driver confidence. Its intuitive infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, so you can bring your apps, maps, and playlists along on every drive. Safety-wise, the Rogue comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like blind spot warnings, automatic braking, high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert, and more. 

The Subaru Forester also delivers a well-rounded mix of technology and peace of mind. Its 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster offers exceptional customization —  and like the Rogue, its 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay^®, Android Auto™, and hands-free smartphone operation to keep you in touch and focused during your drive. In terms of safety, Subaru equips every Forester with EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology, a suite that includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency steering, and other incredibly valuable features.

Rogue vs Forester: Which is Right for You? 

Choosing between the Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue is less about which SUV is “better” and more about which one suits your lifestyle best. Both bring excellent fuel economy, flexible cargo space, advanced safety features, and comfort for the whole family. So, here’s what we recommend for each lifestyle:

• If you’re a commuter, you’ll love the Rogue’s exceptional fuel efficiency — though the Forester Hybrid trims do offer an appealing alternative, especially if you fall into the next category as well. 
• If you’re an adventure-seeker, you’ll appreciate the Forester’s standard AWD, rugged versatility, and more off-road-oriented aesthetic.  
• If you’re a family-oriented driver, the Nissan Rogue is spacious, fuel-efficient, and practical. After all, it secures the number one spot on our list of the best family cars for a reason. Still, both the Rogue and the Frontier are fantastic options for the family-minded car buyer. 

Compare Subaru Forester vs Nissan Rogue Models in Person at Ed Hicks

If you’re torn between the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester, we invite you to stop by Ed Hicks Nissan and Hicks Family Subaru in Corpus Christi to get behind the wheel of both. Our friendly team is here to help you explore features, compare trims, and decide which SUV feels like the right fit for your lifestyle — whether you’re commuting, carpooling, or heading out on a South Texas adventure.