Backstreet Cruizers
Aug 24, 31, 6pm to 8:30pm
Wilson Park, Milan, MI
TEST DRIVE
2017 Nissan Rogue Compact SUV
By Vince Bodiford
Driving the Nissan Rogue, it is easy to notice and appreciate many mid-year improvements on the already popular compact crossover SUV. Nissan’s top selling vehicle in the U.S, it received extensive enhancements for the 2017 model year – creating what Nissan says is the most efficient, convenient and confidence-inspiring Rogue ever. Now Rogue offers a number of additional enhancements for mid-year.
The major revisions to the second-generation Rogue are highlighted by updated styling, convenience, NVH refinements, technology and safety features. In addition, Rogue Hybrid, featuring the first-ever hybrid powertrain for Rogue, boosts estimated fuel economy to 33 city – an increase of up to seven mpg over non-hybrid Rogue models.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:
MSRP starting at $23,820
Offers: Active offers for August, see Nissan dealer for details.
2.5-liter EFI engine.
Xtronic Automatic Transmission
Fuel economy estimates range from 26-mpg city to 33-mpg highway.
Vehicle Highs: Improved fuel economy, larger cargo area and useful storage, improved interior.
Vehicle Lows: Would benefit from a bit more power, transmission is bit noisy on hard acceleration.
Vehicle Rivals: All compact crossover SUVs, especially Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV.
Exterior features include a new front end design with Nissan signature design cues, available Motion-Activated liftgate, and new available Safety Shield technologies such as Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.
Among the interior enhancements found in the refreshed Rogue are a D-shaped steering wheel and leather-booted sport-mode shifter, and available heated steering wheel, memory for driver’s seats and mirror, and remote engine start. The result is a premium look and feel throughout the roomy Rogue cabin.
Adding a new sense of luxury to Rogue, the Platinum Reserve Interior Package is highlighted by premium tan leather-appointed seats with special quilted leather inserts. It is available on Rogue SL models only.
The new for this year is the Midnight Edition treatment that includes black 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps and available Midnight Edition floor mats. It also adds black roof rails, black cross bars, black splash guards, rear bumper protector and illuminated kick plates.
Rogue offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, along with great passenger and cargo flexibility with its EZ Flex Seating System, and Divide-N-Hide Cargo System. The cargo system provides 18 adjustable variations between the cargo and occupant areas (two-row models) and creates a flat cargo area with the 2nd row seat folded down. When more space is needed for carrying taller or bulkier items, lowering the floor board creates a deeper cargo well.
The Rogue Hybrid utilizes Nissan’s Intelligent Dual Clutch system. It uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the 4-cylinder engine and the electric motor. The system also includes an Idle Start/Stop system.
The Rogue Hybrid’s 2.0-liter engine and 30kW electric motor, connected to the advanced Xtronic transmission, produces fuel economy of up to 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models.
The Rogue Hybrid has a net system horsepower rating of 176 hp. This compares to 170 horsepower for the standard Rogue model’s 2.5-liter internal combustion engine.
Both powertrains are matched with an Xtronic transmission with Sport and Eco Mode switches. Also standard are Vehicle Dynamic Control and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System. The Rogue is available with an All-Wheel Drive system or front-wheel drive.
Available Rogue technology features include NissanConnectSM with Navigation, Mobile Apps, and Services, with 7.0-inch color touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM Travel Link and SiriusXM Traffic Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, radar-based Blind Spot Warning and Intelligent Cruise Control, and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.
Rogue is offered in three well-equipped gasoline engine-equipped grade levels, and two for the hybrid. Rogue is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, Kyushu, Japan and Busan, Korea.
THE VERDICT
A bit more expensive than its rivals, the Rogue makes up for it in content and fresh styling. It is a strong contender in the compact import crossover SUV segment.
For more information, see your local Nissan dealer or visit NissanUSA.com
Test drive by Vince Bodiford.