2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a handsome new styling with a more technical appearance, making it look more like an SUV than a car. Dark gray plastic cladding covering the lower perimeter, along with bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection, conveyed the right amount of ruggedness, although perhaps a bit too audaciously on the back bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and proper proportioning lent the Rogue a modern aesthetic, accentuated in higher trims with aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in diameter. A two-tone paint option with a black roof treatment added a custom look.

The Rogue came in four trims: S ($25,650), SV ($27,340), SL ($32,000), and the new Platinum ($35,430), with the SL trim offering a combination of luxury and affordability. All-wheel drive was available for an additional $1,400, along with premium package options varying by trim. The SL trim test vehicle, including extras, came to $35,195.

Inside, the test Rogue SL boasted an Almond color leather interior and a panoramic glass sunroof, making the cabin light, bright, and roomy. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars enhanced the sense of quality. The Platinum trim promised an even more luxurious feel with quilted semi-aniline leather and ambient lighting. However, the climate control panel's dated digital clock appearance was a minor blemish in an otherwise technologically adept SUV featuring wireless Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, available in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, offered a different kind of aesthetic. The base model started at $25,195, with the Touring topping out at $35,295. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Wilderness trim tested included water-repellent StarTex simulated leather and rugged features designed to appeal to adventure-seekers, priced at $36,014 with options.

The Forester’s exterior, especially in the Wilderness trim, featured extensive protective cladding, a matte-black hood decal, and higher ground clearance at 9.2 inches, giving it an "overlanding" look that might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the cabin was designed with functionality in mind, exuding quality despite its somewhat dated appearance. The standard 8-inch Starlink infotainment system boasted physical knobs and buttons for ease of use, despite the presence of three display screens which could clutter the dashboard.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. Weighing nearly 3,500 pounds, the Rogue's power was adequate for daily driving, supported by a smooth, continuously variable transmission (CVT) with programmed ratios and paddle shifters. However, it felt underpowered when adventuring or climbing mountains, hinting at the need for a turbocharged engine in the future.

The all-wheel-drive model offered 8.2 inches of ground clearance and new driving modes like Snow and Off-Road. During our test drive, it averaged 27.5 mpg, slightly less than its EPA rating. The Rogue's ride and handling were enhanced by a robust architecture with 35% high-strength steel, brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control, Active Ride Control, and Vehicle Motion Control for predictive driving improvements. Notably, the steering was dramatically improved due to the electric assist relocation and ratio adjustments.

Subaru's 2022 Forester carried a reliable but unremarkable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The vehicle utilized a CVT and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design boosting initial torque by 25% and doubling the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the Forester Wilderness was recorded at 25.9 mpg during the test drive.

Despite its lack of a turbocharger, the Forester’s CVT with eight programmed ratios and the SI-Drive’s Sport mode provided a lively driving experience. Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode improved handling on different terrains, and the re-tuned suspension offered an impressive ride quality. The Wilderness trim added a longer suspension, improved ground clearance, and sturdy modifications like Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and an aluminum front skid plate, making it capable off-road.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue aimed to maximize comfort and practicality. Its Zero Gravity seats, redesigned for better comfort, featured different fabric and leather options depending on the trim level. The SL trim had leather seats, while the Platinum offered premium semi-aniline leather. Climate control ranged from standard air conditioning in the S trim to a triple-zone system in higher trims.

Rear-seat comfort improved with more generous headroom and legroom compared to previous models, and the doors opened almost to a 90-degree angle for easier access. The Rogue could accommodate three child safety seats, aided by new LATCH anchors. Cargo space was substantial, with 31.6 cubic feet in the Rogue S and SV trims, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized ease of entry and practicality. Tall seating positions allowed for smooth entry and exit. The Forester Wilderness’s StarTex upholstery was water-resistant and ideal for outdoor activities, though it might feel uncomfortable when wet. The upgraded roof rails could support a dynamic load of 220 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent.

The Forester offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space without the sunroof and 26.9 cubes with it, expandable to 74.2 and 69.1 cubic feet, respectively, with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down. This capacity was comparable to the Rogue's and made the Forester roomy for its class. Practical features included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat in the Wilderness trim.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue provided a competitive infotainment package. The S trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A larger 9-inch touchscreen and premium Bose audio system were available in the SL Premium Package and Platinum trims, which also included wireless Apple CarPlay.

The Platinum trim showcased advanced technology features like wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The voice recognition system was generally effective, and the Bose audio system delivered quality sound.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in its base trim, expanding to an 8-inch screen in higher trims like the Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services were standard, with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system available in upgraded trims. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading.

The infotainment system in the test vehicle worked well, but the voice recognition was inconsistent. Notably, most Forester models offered a PIN Code Access feature, ideal for outdoor activities, allowing users to leave the key fob in the vehicle and re-enter using a PIN code.

Safety was a priority for the 2021 Nissan Rogue. It came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, bundling features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Rogue included ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. The ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology offered advanced driving assistance, adjusting speed for curves and freeway junctions.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system with enhanced vision and accuracy. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Standard safety features encompassed a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, monitoring for drowsiness and distraction, with gesture control for climate adjustments.

The Forester received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).