Nissan Xterra vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Xterra and Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Nissan Xterra and the Subaru Forester.
In comparing the Nissan Xterra's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Xterra's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Nissan Xterra.
Pricing: A used 2015 Nissan Xterra ranges from $10,213 to $25,498 while a used 2015 Subaru Forester is priced between $8,899 to $18,998.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Xterra’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 170 horsepower. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles.This gives the Subaru Forester the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Xterra the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Forester has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
45
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
110,160
# Good or Great Deals:
21
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$13,811
Price Range:
$8,899 - $18,998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
579
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
111,498
# Good or Great Deals:
259
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
2.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Nissan Xterra Rankings
Not yet available
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Summary Review
The Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3296 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Metallic Blue
Gray
Night Armor
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Brown
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Quartz Blue Pearl
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Red
Venetian Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Satin White Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Brown
Burnished Bronze Metallic
Green
Jasmine Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Black
