Based on the Nissan Sentra sedan, the Rogue represents Nissan's first entrant into the compact SUV market. It's about five inches shorter than the Murano, Nissan's most popular crossover.
Power for the Rogue comes from Nissan's familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder -- rated at 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available in the Rogue is a CVT.
Nissan recently updated the vehicle inside and out, adding new comfort, convenience and infotainment features to help keep the product competitive in what is becoming a very competitive segment.
Other enhancements for the latest model year include the addition of a new Sport Mode switch on all models, new 17-inch (SV) and 16-inch (Special Edition) aluminum-alloy wheels, and one new exterior color: Graphite Blue.
The SL Package now adds the innovative Around View Monitor, making Rogue the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer this type of safety and convenience feature.
The new Special Edition model includes steering wheel audio controls, RearView Monitor, 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights and privacy glass.
The latest Rogue features a reworked front fascia, complete with an all-new grille, new front spoiler and design changes that wrap around towards the back as well. The changes on the side include new chrome side door guard molding trim accents, as well as new rear tire deflectors, a new chrome license plate finisher and a new rear spoiler.
The recent addition of low-rolling resistance tires helps front-wheel drive models pick up 1 mile per gallon in both city and highway driving, improving to 22 city, 28 highway for the FWD model, and 22 city, 26 highway for the all-wheel drive model.
Inside, the dashboard is simple while versatility is provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space combined with a 60/40 split rear seat and an available fold-down front passenger seat. Utility is enhanced by numerous storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment and a large center console.
Safety
An electronic stability system is standard, as are anti-lock brakes with brake assist and dual and front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags.
Trim Levels: the Nitty-Gritty
The Rogue is available in three trim levels: S, S Krom Edition and SV The basic S model is equipped with expected features like power windows and locks, A/C and keyless entry and also includes cruise control, mood lighting, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio unit with an auxiliary input jack and a trip computer. The wheels are 16-inch steel units with hubcaps.
For those seeking a sportier look, the Rogue S Krom Edition features a unique front grille and bumper with fog lights, a unique rear fascia, a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust, integrated body-colored rear spoiler and body colored power outside mirrors to go with18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels.
New for the latest model year, a value-focused Special Edition slots between the S and SV models. The Special Edition includes steering wheel audio controls, a rear back-up camera, a 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights and privacy glass.
Stepping up to SV nets Bluetooth hands-free phone integration capability, a rear back-up camera, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry, a power driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels and an extra two speakers for the stereo.
The SL package, available only on the SV, includes leather seating with heated front seats, a navigation system with a five-inch color display and automatic climate control. An addition for the latest model year is the “AroundView” camera system that affords 360 degree views around the car during parking maneuvers, which Nissan says is a first use of the system in a non-luxury vehicle.
Key Competitors
The Rogue is pitted against respected rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage.