Overview:
This is the 2016 Nissan Rogue SV FWD SUV. Up until recently the Rogue was built in Japan. Now it is built in Smyrna, TN where Nissan has cranked out more than 10 million vehicles. That is really smart of Nissan because America is the biggest market for them and American’s like to see off-shore companies employ workers here. But another reason for them to do more here is that, believe it or not, Japan is more expensive than the US.
Nissan divide and hide cargo is really slick and very cars today are as innovative. This surely doesn’t fit the name. While I’m thinking of it, let’s see what the name “Rogue” means:
- A dishonest or unprincipled man. E.g. “you are a rogue and an embezzler”
| synonyms: | scoundrel, villain, miscreant, reprobate, rascal, good-for-nothing, ne’er-do-well and wretch. | |
- An elephant or other large wild animal driven away or living apart from the herd and having savage or destructive tendencies. e.g. “a rogue elephant”.
What’s in a name? One has to wonder what prompted the naming of this SUV. But it also means a man who causes trouble in a playful way. I like that definition better.
General Information: It is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee. Classification is Small SUV’s. Cars from Nissan: 370 Z Coupe, 370Z Roadster, Altima, Altama Sedan,Armada, Cube, Frontier, GT-R, JUKE, LEAF, Maxima, Murano, Murano CrossCabriolet, NV Cargo, NV Passenger, NV200, Pathfinder, Pathfinder Hybrid, Quest, Rogue, Rogue Select, Sentra, Titan, Titan XD, Versa Note, Versa Sedan and Xterra..
Handling & Performance:
Very capable, comfortable car with good power considering the good mileage it gets. The size, for me, is perfect. It is easy to maneuver, park and in general handling is very good. It feels more like a midsize, to me even though it is classified as a “Small” SUV. The model I tested had 3rd row seating and I guess that made it seem larger.
Styling:
Pretty traditional SUV styling and for a ‘small’ SUV it is the only one in class to give the option of a 3rd Row Seat. That option is priced at $940.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Exceptionally good pricing all things considered.
Conveniences and comfort:
Nissan divide and hide cargo area is perhaps one of the most interesting features found in any manufacturers bag of tricks. It divides and stabilizes cargo in nearly 20 different configurations that are easy and quick to use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJajzY_TMGQ is a link to a video of this feature. Nice.
Consumer Recommendations:
This Rogue should be one in the competition you test drive. Drive the Rogue first and for the money I believe you’ll return for a second look and buy it. Of those listed the Rogue is the only one to give a 7 seating capacity. All others seat 5.
Recognized Competition:
Nissan Rogue $25,000, Honda CR-V $33,000, Ford Escape $25,000, Mazda CX-5 $30,000, Toyota RAV-4 $32,000.
Good News:
Very good fuel economy, versatile seating and cargo use, well priced.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder 170 hp engine, CVT – continuous variable transmission with sport and Eco modes, front wheel driver, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, 17” alloy wheels, hill start assist, 1,000 lb tow capacity, front, side and curtain airbags, LATCH child safety system, dynamic control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, vehicle immobilizer system, security system, tire pressure monitor, 6-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, 40/20/40 folding and reclining seating, 60/40 sliding second row row seats, 5” color audio display, Sirius XM satellite radio, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth hands free phone system, streaming audio via Bluetooth, hands free text messaging assistant, 3 12-volt power points, rear view monitor, dual zone climate control, 2nd row seat a/c vents, Nissan divide and hide cargo, power door locks and windows, intellegent key with push button start, daytime running lights, auto on/off headlights and roof rails.
Gas Stats:
$2.95/ Gal avg. May 2, 2016
for more information.
26 City and 33 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $24,590