Nissan Xterra vs Subaru Forester
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Forester
Overview
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | X | Forester SUV |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2015 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,660 (best) | $29,995 |
| Lowest listing price | $8,199 (best) | $13,023 |
| Median listing price | $10,369 (best) | $27,995 |
| Highest listing price | $11,500 (best) | $42,263 |
| For sale now | 3 | 91 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 22 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal (best) | 16.6 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 261 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 4 L (best) | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 65.7 cu ft | 74.4 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | — | 3,510 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.2 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 105.1 in |
| Length | 178.7 in | 183.3 in (best) |
| Width | 72.8 in (best) | 72 in |
| Height | 74.9 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan XterraX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 3 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Nissan Xterra | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | X $23,660 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Forester SUV $29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | X $25,710 MSRP | Premium $33,385 MSRP |
| 3 | S $25,670 MSRP | Premium Hybrid $34,730 MSRP |
| 4 | S $26,670 MSRP | Sport $36,105 MSRP |
| 5 | S $27,720 MSRP | Limited $37,695 MSRP |
| 6 | PRO-4X $30,590 MSRP | Sport Hybrid $37,930 MSRP |
| 7 | PRO-4X $31,640 MSRP | Wilderness $38,385 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Limited Hybrid $38,995 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Touring Hybrid $41,545 MSRP |
| 10 | — | Touring $41,595 MSRP |
Live inventory
Nissan Xterra3 for sale
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Used2020 Subaru Forester
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White•Gray16,392 mi$29,551Kia on Atlantic
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Nissan Xterra vs Subaru Forester FAQ
- Which is better: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Forester?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2015 Nissan Xterra vs 2026 Subaru Forester on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Forester?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2015 Nissan Xterra starts lower at $23,660. Live Nissan Xterra listings start at $8,199. Live Subaru Forester listings start at $13,023.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Forester?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,660).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Forester?
- The 2026 Subaru Forester leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Forester?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on horsepower in this comparison (261).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2015 Nissan Xterra or 2026 Subaru Forester?
- The 2015 Nissan Xterra leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2015 Nissan Xterra vs 2026 Subaru Forester?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Xterra (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Forester (5/5 NHTSA overall).