The 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Subaru Forester are two of the more intriguing options for those looking for a new SUV. You want something dependable, exciting, and versatile, and both models offer exceptional performance and a host of desirable modern features. But which one is right for you? It’s a tough matchup, but we’re here to break it down and analyze the ins and outs of both vehicles so you can make a more informed decision.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Subaru Forester are adventurous options for you when you’re looking for an SUV that can go the distance. Both have access to some great comfort and convenience technology, all at your fingertips, whether it’s audio entertainment or important directions. Both will keep you safe, secure, and comfortable in your seats no matter how long your travels are. And both provide adequate horsepower and towing capabilities, but to determine what will be best for you, you’ll need to look a little deeper. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Subaru Forester.
How Much Is Performance Worth to You?
Looking for an SUV that will get you the most bang for your buck? A crossover SUV isn’t much use if you can’t get where you need to go quickly, efficiently, and with the space you need for passengers and cargo. Luckily, the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Subaru Forester are powerful SUV options that can provide great output from their engines to ensure you’re operating at a performance level you’d expect from a reliable midsize SUV.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2023 Nissan Rogue is more efficient than the 2023 Subaru Forester, getting you up to 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, compared to the Forester’s 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Subaru Forester does start out at $26,495, which is about $1,000 cheaper than the 2023 Nissan Rogue, but the Rogue offers a greater horsepower output of 201 hp compared to the Forester’s 182 hp.
The 2023 Rogue also has superior torque, with 225 lb-ft, as opposed to the 2023 Forester providing just 176 lb-ft. What that amounts to is, for about $1,000 more, in the 2023 Nissan Rogue, you’ll have significantly more engine power than you would in the 2023 Subaru Forester, allowing you to hit optimal speeds and towing power on long hauls across town. While $1,000 is not a huge price difference, it’s worth considering when performance is a crucial factor when picking out your next SUV.
But not all environments are the same, and different situations will call for different performance types. The 2023 Nissan Rogue has Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which gives you power and traction when you need it and greater speed and efficiency when you don’t. The Rogue also has five available performance modes, Sport, Snow, Off-Road, Auto, and Eco Mode, that will fit your particular need while driving. Simply switch the Rogue’s dial to whichever mode setting works best for your current situation, and the Rogue will optimize performance accordingly. The 2023 Subaru Forester has a somewhat similar feature called Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive; while useful and still very much a viable option, we prefer the in-depth versatility the 2023 Rogue provides.
Both Offer Extensive Safety and Driver-Assistance Suites
The modern SUV is loaded with powerful technology inside and out, and these two are no different. Both the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Subaru Forester have impressive technological features, with the goal of keeping you safe, secure, and comfortable on your long journeys.
Safety is paramount, of course, and right off the bat you’ll notice how dedicated these SUVs are to keeping you and your passengers safe and sound. The 2023 Subaru Forester has EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, unique to Subaru and quite impressive in its scope. From its Lane Departure and Sway Warning to its Pre-Collision Detection System, the EyeSight system is an all-in-one safety package that will ensure you never have to worry behind the wheel of a 2023 Forester.
The 2023 Nissan Rogue also has a nice selection of safety measures equipped to deal with accidents and potential ones. While it has many similar features to the Forester, such as Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, we’re further intrigued by its kid-friendly design. It has a keyless entry on all four doors for simple tap-and-go openings and easy-to-use car seat compatibility for your little ones.
The 2023 Rogue is perfect for families, and not just because of its safety features. Available wireless charging and a fully digital heads-up display can make the 2023 Rogue feel quite futuristic compared to the more traditional 2023 Subaru Forester. The Forester does feature a touchscreen display and digital gauges, but the 2023 Rogue’s ability to project important information onto the front windshield means you can get it without having to take your eyes off the road.
Unique and Customizable Designs
Much of what you love about a car’s design will come down to personal preference. But we tried to objectively review the interior and exterior of the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Subaru Forester to highlight which qualities you might find the most appealing. After all, it’s one thing to have an SUV; it’s another thing entirely to fall in love with one, and that should be your goal as a consumer. Thankfully, these vehicles will last you a long time – so you can find the design style, interior and exterior, that you love and commit to.
The design philosophy of the 2023 Nissan Rogue is primarily about boldness. The manufacturers over at Nissan have crafted a unique look and feel for the 2023 Rogue, which comes in a variety of two-tone colors like Sunset Drift ChromaFlair and Super Black. There’s also an option for a “Midnight Edition” version of the 2023 Rogue that lets you take your new Rogue over to the dark side. Darker wheels, a black interior trim, and deepened shadows let your 2023 Nissan Rogue Midnight Edition look sleek and powerful no matter the light level. Inside, the 2023 Rogue has six available cargo space configurations, so you can customize your car to fit whatever you need to fit inside, whether it’s luggage, groceries, or just more passengers.
The 2023 Subaru Forester has its own variety of colorful options inside and out. We particularly like the stark Horizon Blue Pearl finish to give your SUV a family-friendly look that screams fun and adventure! The interior can be just as eye-catching, with available brown or black leather seating options to help your passengers feel comfortable and do so in style. Similar to the Rogue, the 2023 Forester has nearly 75 cu.ft. of storage space, which should be enough to hold just about everything you can imagine.
Which One Are You?
The 2023 Nissan Rogue makes up for being slightly more expensive than the 2023 Subaru Forester by excelling in performance, offering unparalleled flexibility that lets you craft your own ideal driving experience based on your conditions. Both SUVs have excellent safety features and useful technology suites, but we prefer the Rogue’s child-friendly design for families looking for their next purchase.
In terms of design, both SUVs have stunning silhouettes and finely-crafted details, with the 2023 Rogue exemplifying boldness and elegance, while the 2023 Subaru Forester is more approachable and traditional. Ultimately, it’s hard to go wrong with either of these great vehicles; whether you’re a solo commuter or have a family to transport, both vehicles offer their own unique set of features that are sure to elevate your driving experience in a variety of ways.
