2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trim levels, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. It started at an MSRP of $25,195, with the top-tier Touring model priced at $35,295, plus a $1,125 destination charge. Subaru offered a variety of dealer-installed accessories, and all-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Forester Wilderness, tested in the Cascade Mountains, featured a rugged design with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding. Its interior, while functional and well-constructed, appeared somewhat dated, with hard plastics and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to showcase a mature and sophisticated exterior design, reminiscent of the Nissan Pathfinder. It featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a refined look. The center console was notable for its electronic gear selector lever, allowing for more storage space. The Rogue's 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy visibility, and the Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort. The second row offered ample legroom, making it suitable for adults. The Rogue's fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the Platinum model.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter 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 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, though it averaged 25.9 mpg during testing. The SUV excelled in various driving environments, including off-road conditions, thanks to its long-travel suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its power, especially at higher altitudes.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency, achieving 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feedback. The Rogue's performance was lively, making it a more engaging drive compared to previous models.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating and decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 28.9 cubic feet (26.9 with a sunroof) and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with numerous compartments for stashing items. It featured USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets, along with a wireless charging pad. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made it a versatile choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. 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 for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist features. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to the vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, featuring a wider field of vision and improved accuracy. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering 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 featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist offered Level 2 driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.