Starting at
Starting at
| 201 | Horsepower (hp) | 182 |
| 225 | Torque (lb-ft) | 176 |
| 30/37 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG) | 26/33 |
The compact SUV is the ultimate traveler for an array of drivers across the country. Whether the trip consists of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the interstate or family time at the park, compact options like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are well-embraced by the masses. It’s no secret that these compact travel companions are small enough to whip in and out of packed city streets and agile enough to hold their own on bumpy roads ahead.
This is what makes them so appealing to a diverse array of drivers, and when it comes to the 2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Subaru Forester, the competition is steep, with both vehicles having their fair share of dedicated followers. Even though the Forester had the jump on the Rogue by ten-plus years, the Rogue has quickly caught up, capturing drivers’ attention with its dazzling design, pleasing ride quality, and exceptional features within.
For 2023, the Rogue displays a few notable changes to add to its allure with drivers. Certain trim levels can now be equipped with the mysterious Midnight Edition, which features sultry black accents inside and out to add serious style to this versatile traveler. You’ll also notice that top-level trims can be armed with even more advanced tech, including Amazon Alexa voice assistance, to make the drive more convenient and enjoyable.
The 2023 Forester, on the other hand, showcases no changes to its latest lineup except for a more expensive sticker price than previous models. At Newton Nissan of Gallatin, we want our drivers to be well-versed in their options, and when it comes to compact SUVs, you’ll notice that one of these options outshines the other. In the areas of design, performance, and technology, see which compact SUV comes out on top with drivers again and again.
There’s a reason why the Nissan Rogue has been named the #1 Ranked Compact SUV for 2023 by MotorTrend. Part of that is the fact that the 2023 Nissan Rogue is able to showcase both a practical and exquisite design blended perfectly together. There’s no doubt about it—the Rogue is a stylish machine with a handsome exterior and an interior cabin experience designed with ultimate comfort.
From available heated seats and a heated steering wheel to a dual panoramic moonroof to let the sunshine in, your drive will be undeniably pleasant when the Rogue is in command. Top-tier trims will allow you to maximize luxury on board, with quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, tri-zone automatic temperature control, and premium materials dotted throughout, making the most of any drive, even the mundane trek into the office.
On the other end of the spectrum, the 2023 Subaru Forester exhibits a more simplistic interior cabin experience and a more rugged outward appearance. The Subaru brand is known for its no-nonsense approach to the journey, evident by its lack of luxurious features inside its compact Forester. Subaru tends to favor practicality over flair, so if you’re looking for an elegantly appointed vehicle, you may want to look elsewhere.
On the plus side, when opting for a top-level trim, drivers can add leather seats, chrome trim, and more premium elements. Unfortunately, its base model is pretty basic, with cloth upholstery, simple plastic trim, no access to heated seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable seating, or any other convenient goodies that rivals tend to offer.
Inside the spacious cabin of the Nissan Rogue, you’ll find that comfort reigns supreme, with plenty of room for five and 38.5 inches of legroom in the rear. It’s also ready to accommodate your family, with car seat-ready seats, rear door sunshades, and advanced tech, like a Rear Door Alert System. This feature delivers a reminder to check the backseat so you don’t leave anything behind when you exit the vehicle.
Perhaps where the Rogue really impresses is with its cargo management solutions, featuring available remote-folding rear seats and the class-exclusive Divide-N-Hide cargo system to safely accommodate gear of all shapes and sizes. With flexible shelving and the ability to configure this space in six unique ways, this storage system is a must for busy travelers.
As we mentioned above, the Forester is a practical machine, so it’s no surprise that it performs well when it comes to convenience. Its abundance of legroom makes it easy for all types of passengers to get cozy inside, with its back row accommodating adult occupants with ease. With up to 74.2 cu.ft. of cargo space, the Forester does a nice job of handling all of your gear; however, it doesn’t display the level of storage innovation you’ll find in the Rogue.
Also, it’s important to note that comfort comes at a price, as its base model is pretty basic, so if you’re looking for more elegance in your vehicle, be prepared to pay more for a higher-level trim. Although the Forester is extremely practical, it lacks comfort, which is why our pick lies with the Rogue when you want the best of both worlds in your vehicle.
When it comes to overall ride quality, it all depends on the engine that sits beneath the hood of your vehicle. Fortunately, for the 2023 Nissan Rogue, its engine isn’t just exciting; it’s also efficient, allowing drivers to have it all in their everyday traveler. Armed with a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder, the Rogue offers a dynamic experience behind the wheel, with 201 hp propelling it forward. What’s most appealing to drivers is that the Rogue exhibits exceptional fuel efficiency, getting up to 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, making it ideal for daily commuters and frequent road trip wanderers.
The 2023 Subaru Forester is equipped with the famous 2.5L BOXER four-cylinder, which is a popular pick for many of Subaru’s models. By just looking at the name alone, you would think that it exhibits top power; however, it lags behind the Rogue when it comes to acceleration, with only 182 horses leading the way. It also lags behind in fuel efficiency, only getting 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. If you want a little pep in your step on the road and need to travel longer distances between fill-ups, the Nissan Rogue is the better option here.
Sometimes, you find yourself off the beaten path, or a surprise storm has come your way. You don’t have to be an off-road adventurer to be concerned about all-wheel drive capabilities, especially when you’re navigating bad weather road conditions. Fortunately, both vehicles are armed with fantastic capabilities on the road and off. The 2023 Nissan Rogue can be equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive capabilities, utilizing AWD when traveling through tricky territories and 2WD when traveling in normal driving conditions. There are also five drive modes available to spice up your drive, whether you’re searching for a sportier ride, a more efficient jaunt, or traveling through uneven terrain and need to switch to Off-Road Mode.
The 2023 Subaru Forester also does a nice job of navigating the elements, with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capabilities, sending power to all four wheels simultaneously to ensure maximum traction and control in any environment. Although both the Rogue and the Forester showcase outstanding all-wheel drive abilities, the fact that the Forester is slow off the line and less efficient than its rivals can be a dealbreaker for drivers. This is why the 2023 Nissan Rogue outperforms the Forester when the quality of the ride matters no matter what terrain you’re traveling on.
Inside the 2023 Nissan Rogue, you’ll find that technology is a priority. With three high-tech displays available, including an 8-inch or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, and a Head-Up Display, having access to every aspect of your ride is easy in the Rogue. Opting for wireless smartphone capabilities and wireless charging eliminates clutter on board without needing wires to be strewn about. You’ll also find various available navigation systems in place to help you arrive at your destination without any trouble, which is especially appealing to those frequently traveling through unfamiliar territory. Not only can you expect a high level of connectivity inside, but you also get to take advantage of various assistance features available, including parking sensors, highway driving assistance, multiple camera angles, and more.
You’ll also find a nice selection of tech inside the 2023 Subaru Forester; however, you may be limited as to what you’re able to enjoy. For instance, only a 6.5-inch or an 8-inch touchscreen is available, and you won’t find wireless smartphone integration available either, which is a major disappointment for many drivers. You will get to enjoy a Wi-Fi Hotspot in most of its trims, multiple USB ports to keep your devices charged up, and available navigation to help you get to where you’re going with confidence. The Forester is also armed with fantastic safety and driver assist aids through the EyeSight suite of advanced features. From blind spot detection to pre-collision braking, the Forester does a great job keeping its occupants safe and secure during any travel scenario imaginable.
Although both the 2023 Nissan Rogue and the 2023 Subaru Forester showcase outstanding safety and driver assist features, the Forester lacks overall tech. With small touchscreens and many options lacking in its base models, drivers are forced to pay more for a higher-level trim to get what they need, as far as tech is concerned. Unfortunately, this can be a dealbreaker for many, making the Nissan Rogue well-equipped to handle any type of drive with the level of innovation drivers demand.
Newton Nissan of Gallatin wants to help you find the ideal vehicle for your journey, and if you have your eye on the 2023 Nissan Rogue, we invite you to stop by and check out our extraordinary selection. We prioritize your experience, which is why we offer plenty of ways to shop for a vehicle, with our Newton Fastpass program there to assist you with shopping from the comfort of your home.
Our lot is supplied with only the best new and used options for our loyal customers. With a no-hassle buying experience and knowledgeable professionals by your side every step of the way, your experience will be truly unforgettable with us. Stop by or get started online and see how partnering with us will change the way you feel about buying a car. When you have your sights set on the Rogue, we can guarantee that you’ll be mesmerized by its sleek style, engaging performance, and elevated innovation to make your ride better in every way imaginable. We look forward to getting you behind the wheel of this exceptional SUV and experiencing it for yourself.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
