2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a balance between ruggedness and style. With its well-proportioned and chiseled design, the Rogue exuded a sense of purpose that appealed to many SUV enthusiasts. The lineup offered various trims, from the base S FWD to the luxurious Platinum, each providing a distinct set of features. The Platinum trim, in particular, stood out with its upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a design that remained consistent with its predecessors. The Forester's utilitarian appearance, especially in the Premier trim, was complemented by practical features like robust roof rails and a high static-weight rating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Inside, the Forester offered a mix of traditional Subaru design elements, such as analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. While the interior was busy, the layout of buttons and knobs ensured that everything was easy to locate and operate, reinforcing the Forester's reputation as a reliable and functional SUV.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-litre four-cylinder in most trims. This VC-Turbo engine delivered 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that included paddle shifters. The Rogue offered various driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue's engine exhibited some vibration and noise, which might not appeal to all drivers. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's suspension and handling were generally well-balanced, though the steering felt lifeless.

The 2023 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, powering all four wheels through a CVT with eight programmed ratios. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode, while the X-Mode off-road traction control system enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Forester Premier demonstrated impressive performance in adverse weather conditions, inspiring confidence in its ability to handle challenging terrains. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's driving dynamics, including its light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning, contributed to a comfortable and engaging driving experience. However, the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed to replace the traditional family car, offering a spacious and practical interior. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities such as a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs provided comfort, though the rear seats were less satisfying due to their low-mounted cushions. The Rogue's cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with the seats folded down. However, the Rogue's key fob design was a notable drawback, with its low-contrast buttons causing frustration in low-light conditions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, offering a range of features across its trims. The Touring trim included a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims offered additional amenities like dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery. The Forester's interior was spacious, with excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked leg support. The Forester's cargo area was well-designed, with 762 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,957 litres with the seats folded down, providing ample storage for various needs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity. The test vehicle included a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition technology was limited in its capabilities, often misinterpreting requests. The Rogue also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have appeared outdated, but it offered a user-friendly experience. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a navigation system and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's infotainment system featured separate climate controls and easily accessible volume and tuning knobs. However, the voice recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone connectivity a more practical option for navigation and other functions.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and a rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims offered additional features like ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2022, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight technology, offering improved collision avoidance and driver assist systems. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included features like Automatic Emergency Steering and a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with lower scores in new crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.