Subaru forester vs nissan terra: wilderness conquest or urban supremacy?

The mid-size SUV segment is a popular choice for families and adventurers alike, offering a blend of practicality, versatility, and off-road capability. Two prominent contenders in this market are the Subaru Forester and the Nissan Terra. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs.

Performance and Capability

Engine and Powertrain

The Subaru Forester offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery.

The Nissan Terra, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that generates 190 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission that offers crisp and responsive shifts.

Off-Road Performance

The Subaru Forester is renowned for its exceptional off-road capabilities, thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and X-Mode, which optimizes traction and performance in challenging conditions. The Forester also features a generous ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

The Nissan Terra offers a rear-wheel-drive system with optional four-wheel drive. While it may not be as capable off-road as the Forester, it still provides ample ground clearance of 8.4 inches and a hill-descent control system for added stability on steep slopes.

Interior and Comfort

Space and Seating

The Subaru Forester offers a spacious and versatile interior with ample room for passengers and cargo. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats provide plenty of legroom and headroom. The Forester also boasts a large cargo area with a capacity of 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The Nissan Terra has a slightly smaller interior, but it still offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The cargo area is also generous, with a capacity of 22.8 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, expandable to 64.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Features and Technology

The Subaru Forester comes standard with a wide range of features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of safety features such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

The Nissan Terra offers a similar level of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, tri-zone climate control, and a comprehensive safety suite that includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Safety and Reliability

Safety Ratings

The Subaru Forester has consistently received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick Plus award from IIHS.

The Nissan Terra has also performed well in safety tests, earning a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Good rating in all crashworthiness categories from IIHS.

Reliability

Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the Forester is no exception. It consistently ranks highly in reliability surveys and has received several awards for its dependability.

Nissan’s reliability record has been mixed in recent years, but the Terra is a relatively new model and has not yet established a long-term reliability history.

Price and Value

Starting Prices

The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $25,195 for the base trim level. The Nissan Terra, on the other hand, has a slightly higher starting price of $29,990 for the base trim level.

Value for Money

The Subaru Forester offers a lot of value for money, with a comprehensive list of standard features, excellent safety ratings, and a proven track record of reliability. The Nissan Terra offers a more spacious interior and a more powerful diesel engine, but it comes at a higher price point and has a less established reliability history.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The choice between the Subaru Forester and the Nissan Terra ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability, safety, and reliability, the Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. If you need a more spacious interior, a more powerful engine, and a lower price point, the Nissan Terra is worth considering.

The Bottom Line: The Verdict

Both the Subaru Forester and the Nissan Terra are capable and well-rounded mid-size SUVs. The Forester excels in off-road performance, safety, and reliability, while the Terra offers a more spacious interior and a more powerful engine. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy?

The Subaru Forester has slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Terra. The Forester gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Terra gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has more towing capacity?

The Nissan Terra has a higher towing capacity than the Subaru Forester. The Terra can tow up to 6,720 pounds, while the Forester can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

3. Which SUV has a better warranty?

The Subaru Forester and the Nissan Terra both come with a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.