2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Nissan Rogue

 

When comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester to the 2025 Nissan Rogue, these SUVs look and feel similar in a few major categories. Of course, the Forester has been a long-loved release from Subaru, first debuting in 1997, and it has continued to evolve and improve to this day. The Subaru Forester sees many exciting changes in 2025, as does the Nissan Rogue, so the race to the finish line will be close. Of course, this post should clarify things for anyone stuck in a 2025 Subaru Forester vs. a 2025 Nissan Rogue rut, so stick around as we get into the details.

Overview

The 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Nissan Rogue offer affordable ruggedness for a five-seater SUV, and many new changes are heading into the upcoming model year. With the Forester, Subaru has undergone a complete refresh, seeing a more sleek, modern exterior and a new hybrid configuration added to the lineup. You have five trims to choose from, starting at $29,695, so this is a nice entry point for drivers in the segment.

With the 2025 Nissan Rogue, we also see some new goodies, although it doesn't get quite as drastic of an exterior update. The Rock Creek trim is brand-new, almost following in Subaru's footsteps with what they have done with the Forester in its higher Sport, Limited, and Touring models. The 2025 Nissan Rogue also comes in five trims and retails for $29,230 to start.

What's New in 2025?

2025 is a big year for the Subaru Forester and the Nissan Rogue. Inside and outside the Forester, you have a more modern spin on the classic vibe of this four-door, five-seater, which has been well-received by long-time fans and critics alike. Specifically, the 2025 Subaru Forester sees a moderately updated chassis, all-wheel drive as standard, a hybrid powertrain addition, a new electric power-steering rack onboard, a new foot-activated hands-free power tailgate, and plenty more.

For Nissan Rogue shoppers in 2025, your SUV doesn't see as many structural and aesthetic changes, but you get a brand-new trim, the Rock Creek Edition. With this, it boasts all-terrain tires, a tubular roof rack, a hill descent control driving program, a new camera system with off-road views, heated front seats, and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area. Nissan has also included its ProPilot 2.1 system in top trims, including speed, braking, and lane control in its adaptive cruise control system. A 360-degree camera system has also been added to certain trims.

Interior

The interiors of either the 2025 Nissan Rogue or the 2025 Subaru Forester focus on simple, clean, and modern elements, all things drivers in this segment look for when buying a new SUV. The Subaru Forester offers more passenger volume at 110.8 cubic feet (Nissan Rogue offers 105.4) and is appointed with plenty of standard and upgradeable comfort and tech specs.

Here are some things you'll find inside a standard Subaru Forester:

  • Cloth seat upholstery
  • Six-way manually adjustable driver's seat
  • Four-way manually adjustable front passenger's seat
  • 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks
  • Cargo-area underfloor storage
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control system
  • Four speakers
  • Dual 7-inch touchscreens with SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

The Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, sees the following standard:

  • Cloth seat trim
  • Four-speaker audio system
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • NissanConnect® 8-inch color touch-screen display
  • Cruise control capability
  • 6-way adjustable driver's seat (manual)
  • 60/40 rear folding seats
  • Urethane steering wheel

Both models offer excellent starting specifications, although Subaru is more spacious and equipped at a base level.

Exterior

The exteriors of the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Nissan Rogue are as close as they have been. Since Subaru is taking on a more contemporary design in 2025, you see elements shed from past releases, opening the door to more of a present-feeling model. The Rogue continues its modern aesthetic with an eye-catching front grille and LED headlights. In contrast, the Subaru Forester has a black grille with deep-tone wheels, making it a sleek choice at a base level. Your wheels get bigger as you move up in trim between either nameplate, as do details change with your grille, roof rail availability, LED lights, bumper hues, etc.

Size-wise, here are your dimensions for both models:

2025 Subaru Forester

  • Length: 183.3 inches
  • Width: 72 inches
  • Height: 68.1 inches
  • Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
  • Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches

2025 Nissan Rogue

  • Length: 183 inches
  • Width: 72.4 inches
  • Height: 66.5 inches
  • Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
  • Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches

Engine and Performance

You see competitive specs across the board regarding the engine and performance of the 2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Nissan Rogue. To start with this year's Nissan Rogue, drivers have one engine configuration, a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder. The inline-three is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (AWD is available). For the 2025 Forester, you see a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower. This engine is paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and all-wheel-drive.

The 2025 Rogue's MPG is up to 30 city / 37 highway miles per gallon, while the 2025 Subaru Forester is up to 26 city / 33 highway.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology

The safety and driver-assistance features inside the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Nissan Rogue will be impressive. The Forester boasts standard EyeSight, which will include things like:

  • Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
  • Pre-collision braking
  • Lane departure and sway warning
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Automatic emergency steering

Nissan offers drivers of the 2025 Rogue get these standard specs:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
  • Rear Automatic Braking
  • Blind Spot Warning
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • High Beam Assist

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment and connectivity inside the 2025 Subaru Forester vs. Nissan Rogue will be competitive, with Subaru outperforming Nissan in standard and upgradeable technology.

Here's what you get in a 2025 Forester standard:

  • Four speakers
  • Dual 7-inch touchscreens with SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
  • SiriusXM Travel Link® capability
  • AM/FM stereo
  • HD Radio™
  • Bluetooth®
  • Illuminated front USB-A input port

Now for the 2025 Nissan Rogue:

  • 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® display
  • NissanConnect® 8-in. infotainment touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • Bluetooth® audio streaming and phone connectivity
  • Two USB ports
  • Four speakers

Get the All-New 2025 Subaru Forester at Granite Subaru

Now that we have compared the 2025 Subaru Forester to the 2025 Nissan Rogue, there is no better time to stop into your local Subaru dealer, Granite Subaru. We can answer your questions regarding this model and hand you the keys for a test drive. Let's connect today, and we can have you in the model of your dreams ASAP!

View Subaru Forester