IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The Rogue offers respectable fuel economy, refined interior materials, and passenger and cargo versatility that few compact SUVs can match.
BUT…
Passing power is only so-so, and the engine is a bit noisy during acceleration.
WORTH NOTING:
Nissan also sells the Rogue Sport subcompact SUV. Although it is on a unique platform and has a smaller engine, Rogue Sport shares some styling cues with Rogue.
WHAT IS IT?
The Rogue is Nissan’s compact SUV. It comes in base S, mid-line SV, and top-line SL trim levels, each with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Rogue Hybrid comes in SV or SL trim, and is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and an electric motor that combine for a total of 176 horsepower. All Rogues are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Standard or available equipment on SV and SL models includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, satellite radio, navigation system with voice recognition, NavTraffic and NavWeather, Around-View Monitor (360-degree camera), and NissanConnect Apps including Facebook, iHeartRadio, and Pandora. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning and mitigation with rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection.
WHAT’S NEW?
The 2018 Nissan Rogue gains available ProPILOT Assist, a “semi-autonomous” driver-assist system that pairs adaptive-cruise-control functionality with automatic lane-centering steering assist (the driver’s hands must remain on the steering wheel). Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity is added as a standard feature.
FUEL ECONOMY
EPA estimates for the 2018 Rogue were unavailable as of this writing, but we are not expecting the numbers to change. For 2017, the EPA rated the Rogue at 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 25/32 with all-wheel drive. The Rogue Hybrid was rated at 33 mpg city/35 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 31 city/34 highway with all-wheel drive. In Consumer Guide® testing, a front-wheel drive Rogue SV averaged 24.2 mpg in 70-percent highway driving, and an all-wheel-drive Rogue Hybrid SL averaged 29.4 mpg in 65-percent city driving in frigid winter weather.
VALUE IN CLASS
The Nissan Rogue offers classy interior trimmings and a host of desirable features at very competitive prices. Rogue’s ingeniously configured rear cargo area is a study in versatility and functional design. Some rival SUVs are better at the “sport,” but Rogue is one of the best around when it comes to utility. The Rogue Hybrid model is a compelling alternative to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Kia Niro.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $23,820 – $32,910 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Wagon |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 170-HP, 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl.; 176-HP, 2.0-Liter 4-Cyl./Electric |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front or All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA and South Korea |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 25-33 MPG |
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