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In the fiercely competitive compact crossover SUV segment, two good choices are the Subaru Forester and the Nissan Rogue. While both models have their merits, the 2023 Subaru Forester has one big benefit over the 2023 Nissan Rogue: off-road capabilities.

2023 Subaru Forester has better off-road capabilities than the 2023 Nissan Rogue

Front angle view of blue 2023 Subaru Forester crossover SUV
2023 Subaru Forester | Subaru

Vehicles that can head off the beaten path are in great demand these days, including for the compact crossover SUV segment. The 2023 Subaru Forester meets this demand with its off-road capabilities. It’s much better for wilderness excursions than the 2023 Nissan Rogue.

The superior off-road capabilities are due to a number of factors. For one, an all-wheel drive system comes standard for all Forester models. However, AWD is optional in the Rogue, so you have to pay extra. Also, the AWD system in the Forester — Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive — is more advanced than what the Rogue offers. This results in better traction on challenging terrain. 

The effectiveness of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is due to its ability to detect wheel slippage before it occurs. Also, for even more traction, the Forester has an X-Mode feature — which drivers can activate when needed. 

Another reason for the superior off-road capabilities is higher ground clearance, with up to 9.2 inches for the Forester, compared to 8.2 inches for the Rogue. The higher ground clearance is helpful for driving over uneven surfaces, such as rocks.

Furthermore, unlike the Rogue, the Forester has an off-road model with the Wilderness trim. The Wilderness trim is ready for outdoor adventures with its protective skid plates and all-terrain tires. It also has a dual-function X-MODE, with selectable settings for different driving and terrain conditions.

2023 Forester is also better than the 2023 Rogue for driving in the snow

Side view of light brown 2023 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV
2023 Subaru Forester | Subaru

Even if you never drive off-road, the 2023 Subaru Forester’s off-road capabilities are beneficial in other ways. They provide additional advantages over the 2023 Nissan Rogue. This includes driving in adverse weather conditions, such as rain and snow. With its excellent traction and high clearance, the Forester is a particularly good choice for those that live in a harsh winter climate with heavy snow.

Also, the off-road attributes are helpful for driving on poor-quality roads. Most crossover SUV drivers eventually encounter roads with potholes, cracks, and broken concrete.

Other advantages of the Subaru Forester over the Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Forester has some other advantages over the 2023 Rogue. This includes towing. The Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Rogue. 

The cabin of the Forester is also more spacious than the one in the Rogue. While both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, the Forester provides a total passenger volume of 111.6 cu-ft, while the Rogue has 105.4 cu-ft. Also, for legroom, the Forester offers 43.3 inches for the front seats and 39.4 inches for the rear, compared to 41.5/38.5 inches in the Rogue.

Plus, the Forester is more affordable — with a starting price of $26,395 MSRP. In comparison, the Rogue starts at $27,360 MSRP.

With its better off-road capabilities, the 2023 Subaru Forester has a big benefit over the 2023 Nissan Rogue. The off-road prowess makes the Forester an appealing crossover SUV for drivers that aim for wilderness adventures.

Related 2023 Subaru Forester: Price, Specs, & Overview — Popular Crossover SUV!

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