The compact SUV market is laden with choices, and it can be tough to find the right option for you. However, looking at the longtime competitors in the segment can be a good starting point for finding a new ride.
With that as the criteria, the 2025 Nissan Rogue and 2025 Subaru Forester are among the best options in the compact SUV class, so let’s compare the two.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue has been the brand’s best-selling compact SUV for years. Efficient on fuel and spacious enough for friends and family, this model makes a good choice for practical transportation. Nissan’s latest redesign came for the 2021 model year, although it did get an optional new infotainment system and the new V-motion grille for 2024.
Buyers enjoy up-to-date technology, including an available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Rogue comes in five trim levels: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum. Regardless of which trim you pick, you get a spacious cabin and plenty of capability.
Nissan Rogue Highlights
Google built-in: Infotainment systems can be vital for today’s drivers. Standard on the SL trim and Platinum is Google built-in, including Google Automotive Services. Using voice commands and a 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen, you can access Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more on Google Play.
Comfortable seats: The Rogue features the much-loved, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front seats. These seats keep the driver comfortable and alert. The longer the trip, the bigger their impact.
Gas sipper: Powered by a 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine, the Rogue boasts up to 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the best among non-hybrid SUVs. The low fuel costs add to the value proposition of the Nissan Rogue.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Rogue models for sale near you.
2025 Subaru Forester
The name Subaru evokes many images, most involving some form of off-road adventure. Fortunately, the all-new-for-2025 Forester appears ready to ensure that legacy remains intact.
The Forester’s simple exterior styling belies an appealing, tech-oriented interior and the technical capability that allows it to be a do-everything vehicle. It brings familiar Subaru traits such as ample ground clearance, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Active Torque Vectoring, and Vehicle Dynamics Control.
The new model is powered by the familiar 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. It develops 180 hp, which means it isn’t as potent as some of its competitors, but it’ll do what you need it to do. With six trim levels from which to choose, getting a new Forester equipped the way you want should be simple.
Subaru Forester Highlights
Emergency assistance: A first for Subaru, the Emergency Stop Assist system activates if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings when adaptive cruise control is engaged. If this occurs, the Forester slowly comes to a stop automatically, activates the hazard lights, and unlocks the doors. For those with Starlink Connected Services, the system will call emergency services.
Safety tech: The EyeSight safety tech suite bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and lane-departure alert — and it’s standard on all Forester models.
Standard AWD: Like every SUV in the brand’s lineup, the Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive. This feature is optional in the Rogue, but Subaru’s AWD system is famous for its capability driving off-road or in snowy conditions.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models near you.
Similarities
Each is among the best-known SUVs in the segment. With nice exterior styling, good fuel economy, and spacious cabins, it’s easy to see why plenty of people are attracted to both of these vehicles.
Pricing
New 2025 Nissan Rogue Prices
|
$30,620 |
$29,205 |
|||
|
$32,360 |
$30,864 |
|||
|
$36,810 |
$34,542 |
|||
|
$37,480 |
$35,294 |
|||
|
$40,910 |
$39,654 |
New 2025 Subaru Forester Prices
|
$31,415 |
$29,423 |
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|
$33,730 |
$31,392 |
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|
$36,230 |
$33,664 |
|||
|
$36,415 |
$35,752 |
|||
|
$37,830 |
$35,374 |
|||
|
$41,715 |
$38,757 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Forester vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Nissan Rogue | 2025 Subaru Forester | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | CVT/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city/37 highway/33 combined | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | Hybrid |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.0 inches | 183.3 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 72.0 inches |
| Height | 66.5 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.2 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.5 inches | 43.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 31.6 cubic feet | 28.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
These are competitive offerings, with pricing being just about even. However, the biggest difference between the two is Subaru’s go-anywhere reputation and its complete makeover for the 2025 model year. They’re so evenly matched that they’re both worth a test drive.