2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Prices started at $29,495, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595, plus a $1,800 destination charge. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured a rugged design with white paint, a dark grey interior, and water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. It had a base price of $38,995, including destination. The Wilderness model stood out with its suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design, sharing exterior features with other Nissan models like the Pathfinder. It sported a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior showcased a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated look. The centre console featured an electronic gear selector, freeing up space for storage. The Rogue's 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy visibility, and the instrument panel offered a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital screen, depending on the trim. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, and the second row offered ample legroom. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The SUV excelled in various environments, thanks to its re-tuned suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, it lacked engine power and experienced wind noise at higher speeds. The Wilderness model's long-travel suspension and all-terrain tires enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for better power and efficiency. The Rogue's CVT had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. Fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres city/6.5 highway/7.2 combined. The Rogue's chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms. The Forester offered comfortable seating and decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 818 litres without the sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the second row folded. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split reclining bench, and passengers had access to USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link offered advanced driver-assist features, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient keyless entry.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering a wider field of vision and improved accuracy. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, providing Level 2 driver assistance. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.