Subaru Forester Vs. Honda CR-V Vs. Nissan Rogue: 2025 Comparison

When you're looking for value, MPG ratings, and versatility, a Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Nissan Rogue guide can be a useful introduction to five-seat SUVs. The Honda CR-V is a popular sport-ute for its hybrid variant and trunk space. Meanwhile, many love the Nissan Rogue for its luxury-grade features. However, if you're after a midsize SUV with prestigious MPG ratings, a loveable interior, and an off-roading variant, we at Hughes Subaru are proud to present the Subaru Forester as your do-it-all SUV.

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2025 Subaru Forester 2025 Honda CR-V 2025 Nissan Rogue
2025 Subaru Forester 2025 Honda CR-V 2025 Nissan Rogue
Engine 2.5L 4-cyl 1.5L turbo 4-cyl 1.5L turbo 3-cyl
Base Horsepower
  • 180 (Standard)
  • 182 (Wilderness)
  • 194 (Hybrid)
  • 190 (Standard)
  • 204 (Hybrid)
  • 201 (Standard)
Base Torque
  • 178 lb-ft (Standard)
  • 176 lb-ft (Wilderness)
  • 154 lb-ft (Hybrid Engine)
  • 199 lb-ft (Hybrid Electric Motor)
  • 179 lb-ft (Standard)
  • 247 lb-ft (Hybrid)
  • 225 lb-ft (Standard)
Transmission CVT, 6-speed hybrid-type, 8-speed manual CVT CVT
Drivetrain AWD 2WD, AWD avail 2WD, AWD avail
Standard AWD EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) 26 / 33 / 293 26 / 31 / 284 28 / 35 / 315
Length 183.3 in 184.8 in 183 in
Width 72 in 73.5 in 72.4 in
Height 68.1 in 66.2 - 66.5 in 66.5 in
Seating Capacity 5 5 5
Curb Weight 3,510 lbs 3,472 lbs 3,477 lbs
Cargo Space (Min / Max) 29.6 / 74.4 cu ft 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft 31.6 / 74.1 cu ft
Towing Capacity 1,500 - 3,000 lbs6 1,000 - 1,500 lbs7 1,500 lbs8
Interior Feature Highlights
  • 10-way heated/ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Leather-trimmed upholstery
  • 12.3-in digital instrument cluster
  • 11.6-in center touchscreen
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Harman Kardon® premium audio system
  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
  • 360-Degree Surround View Monitor
  • 10-way heated front seats
  • No heated rear outboard seats
  • Leather-trimmed upholstery
  • 7-in digital instrument cluster
  • 9-in center display
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Bose® premium sound system
  • Honda Sensing Technologies
  • Driver Attention Monitor
  • Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
  • 8-way heated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Semi-aniline leather upholstery
  • 12.3-in digital instrument cluster
  • 12.3-in touchscreen
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • Bose® premium sound system
  • Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Surround View Camera
Exterior Feature Highlights
  • 17-, 18-, and 19-in wheels
  • LED Fog Lights
  • Roof spoiler
  • Panoramic power moonroof
  • Windshield wiper de-icer
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Raised roof rails
  • 17-, 18-, and 19-in wheels
  • LED lights
  • Fin-type roof-mounted antenna
  • Power moonroof
  • Variable intermittent windshield wipers
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Gloss black roof rails
  • 17-, 18-, and 19-in wheels
  • LED lights
  • Black grille w/ chrome accents
  • Dual panel panoramic moonroof
  • Rain detecting wipers
  • Heated side mirrors
  • No roof rails
Factory Warranty 3-yr/36,000-mi9 3-yr/36,000-mi9 3-yr/36,000-mi9
IIHS Safety Score Top Safety Pick1 Top Safety Pick2 No Award
2025 Subaru Forester Used Honda CR-V Used Nissan Rogue
Price & Configurations

Price & Configurations

We begin the Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Nissan Rogue comparison with a win for the Forester, which has a less expensive AWD standard base model and 10 trims.

  • Subaru Forester: The new Subaru Forester for sale has the lowest price for an AWD model and gives you 10 trims (including hybrid levels) to work with.
  • Honda CR-V: The CR-V has the highest base cost and just six trims.
  • Nissan Rogue: A FWD Nissan Rogue has the lowest base price (though it has a higher AWD cost than the Forester). It has five trims, four of them being FWD and AWD.
Performance & Specs

Performance & Specs

Each model wins in some performance category: the Subaru Forester towing capacity is up to 3,000 pounds,6 the CR-V has the best MPG ratings, and the Rogue with standard horsepower and torque.

  • Subaru Forester: The Wilderness trim of the Subaru Forester can tow up to 3,000 pounds,6 1,500 pounds more than the others.7,8
  • Honda CR-V: At 43/36/40 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),10 the CR-V is an extremely efficient vehicle, as discussed in our Subaru Forester Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid guide.
  • Nissan Rogue: For pure strength, the Rogue standard engine creates 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque.
Size & Cargo

Size & Cargo

The Nissan Rogue falls behind here, with less cargo space and legroom than the opposition. The CR-V provides more trunk room and second-row legroom, while the Forester has a massive amount of front-row legroom compared to the competition.

  • Subaru Forester: Enjoy 43.3 inches of front-row legroom and 74.4 cubic feet of overall cargo space in the shortest of the three SUVs.
  • Honda CR-V: The CR-V has 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space and 41 inches of rear-row legroom, but just 41.3 inches of front-row legroom.
  • Nissan Rogue: With 74.1 cubic feet of max storage space and less legroom than both models, the Nissan SUV feels cramped.
Off-Roading Performance

Interior & Tech

A 2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Honda CR-V vs. 2025 Nissan Rogue comparison isn't complete without a technology overview, of which the CR-V is the furthest behind. The Forester and Rogue go blow-for-blow, with the Rogue lacking a ventilated front seat option but offering a slightly larger touchscreen.

  • Subaru Forester: 10-way heated and ventilated front seats, a 11.6-inch center touchscreen, and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation make the Forester extraordinary.
  • Honda CR-V: With 8-way heated front seats (without ventilation), no heated rear outboard seats, and much smaller screenspace, the CR-V fails to impress.
  • Nissan Rogue: Better screen space and tri-zone climate control is fantastic, but no ventilated seats might make summers a bit less enjoyable.
Interior & Comfort

Safety & Reliability

The final stop of our Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Nissan Rogue guide is safety. Both the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS,1,2 an accolade unearned by the 2025 Nissan Rogue.

  • Subaru Forester: With a Top Safety Pick (and better scores per category than the CR-V),1 you can be sure that our Subaru Forester specials will keep you safe.
  • Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V also has a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though its moderate overlap front test was given a "Poor" rating.2
  • Nissan Rogue: The Nissan Rogue did not get an award from the IIHS, but does have a reasonable array of features to keep you and your family safe.

Conclusion

  • Choose the Subaru Forester if you want a versatile vehicle with trim levels, towing capacity, off-roading specs, and interior comfort.
  • Choose the Honda CR-V if you prioritize MPG ratings and a minor increase in cargo capacity.
  • Choose the Nissan Rogue if its responsive engine and high-end amenities (but reduced versatility) seem to meet your preferences.
 

Pros and Cons: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Nissan Rogue

Subaru Forester Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Hybrid options
  • AWD standard
  • Incredible front-row legroom
  • Nimble exterior
  • Highest towing capacity

Cons

  • Not highest MPG ratings
  • Minor technology loss compared to Rogue

Honda CR-V Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Great MPG
  • Excellent cargo space

Cons

  • Worst first-row legroom
  • No heated rear seats
  • Smallest touchscreen displays
  • FWD standard

Nissan Rogue Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong standard engine
  • Competitive amenities

Cons

  • No hybrid option
  • Worst overall legroom
  • Worst maximum cargo space
  • Standard FWD


1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/subaru/forester-4-door-suv/2025

2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/cr-v-4-door-suv/2025

3EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.

4Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

52025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 28 City MPG / 35 Highway MPG / 31 Combined MPG for Nissan Rogue AWD. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.

6Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.

7Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

8Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.

9Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

10Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery package/condition, and other factors.

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3010 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA, 30606
Hughes Subaru 33.9446131, -83.4402183.