2017 Nissan Rogue SL Hybrid AWD

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2017 Nissan Rogue SL Hybrid AWD. It is, for me, a very strong contender in class because Nissan has been a favorite of mine for many years. The only bias I’m inclined to is to buy American. I like the Denali, but the Rogue is a Hybrid and the fuel economy gives it a decided edge. It also has a fantastic array of standard features for the money.

The problem with choosing sides based on how it affects American Workers is that all of the cars noted here are assembled by North American workers. So, if anything, foreign companies building cars in North America only increase the jobs there.

Another point is that the more generic cars become, it is increasingly difficult to align oneself with one brand based on country of origin. I suspect choice is more based on capability of different products. In other words, how well do they perform given the demands of providing good fuel economy and all the environmental constraints imposed by government.

At the end of the day, the auto industry is perhaps the most ‘Globally’ cooperative of all products made for the world economy. The country lines are blurred by this growing cooperation between industry competitors. I believe it is a benefit overall for the consumer. But it also has the effect of making cars less interesting. Designers are less adventuresome in designing than their counterparts were in the early days prior to the 1980’s.

If you’re like me you too must miss that diversity in design we find as we peek back to the turn of the 20thCentury through mid-century.

Today is has evolved into mostly Cookie-Cutter production across the entire spectrum of available cars in ‘today’s world’.

Opinion:

I assume most people have observed the “Rubber-necking” that happens on virtually every highway or bi-way in America. The problem with that automatic response to accidents is that it totally backs up traffic and that affects every other driver to follow.

To serious and safety conscious drivers the habit of slowing to a crawl to see every detail of the disaster is simply nosey foolishness. What is all the interest? Are they hoping to see blood and guts or see exactly how tangled steel and plastic can get when two or more objects meet at high speed.

My question to you is: Are men or women more likely to be the rubberneckers? What do you think?

General Information:

It is assembled in Smyrna, TN USA. Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Nissan: Altima, Armada, Frontier, GT-R, JUKE, LEAF, Maxima, Murano, NV Cargo, NV Passenger, NV 200, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan XD, Versa Note, Versa Sedan, 370 Z Coupe and 370 Z Roadster.

Handling & Performance:

Rogue is a very capable vehicle. I drive over 100 miles per day on average over varied conditions of road and off-road driving. Nissan is a proven consistent performer from my experience. What amazes me is what today’s cars do with 2 liters for example that equals 122 cubic inches. Hardly “Muscle Car” power or status, but this 2 liter Nissan Rogue performs extremely well for normal driving needs. People don’t seem to have the ‘need for speed’ or need to impress anyone by displaying tire burning power, that was so commonplace in the mid 20th century.

Styling:

Competitive without any radical departure from what I’m accustomed to.

Fit and Finish:

Nissan has always been well appointed and assembled and there is no departure here either.

Cost:

Competitive, but when you look at all the great features, this may be the best of the list.

Conveniences and comfort:

I think it is very comfy and has most of the features to make the driving experience tops.

Consumer Recommendations:

I like all of these competitors. No glowing favorites but, like me, I’m guessing you have a loyalty to a brand, and that may be the deciding factor in the car you select. But clearly the Highlander 8-passenger seating will help some decide if they need to transport a lot of folks – often. The other obvious distinction is in fuel economy, where Rogue and RAV-4 have an advantage.

 
Recognized Competition:

Nissan Rogue $33,000, Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid $33,000, Toyota Highlander Hybrid $37,000, GMC Terrain Denali $37,000.

Good News:

Nissan tends, in my experience, to be trouble free, good fuel economy, comfy and a perfect size to move 5 people in relative comfort and it has a HUGE standard equipment list.

Bad News:

n/a.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 176 total system HP 4-clyinder engine, continuously variable transmission, ECO mode, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, Alloy wheels, hill start assist, front, side curtain airbags. LATCH system, dynamic control, traction control, electronioc brake force distribution, brake assist, vehicle immobilizer system and security system, tire pressure monitor, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, 6-way power driver deat, 60/40 split folding  2nd row seats, around view monitor, moving object detection, leather, heated front seats, driver seat and mirror memory system, heated leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Nissan Connect with Nav and mobile apps and services, 7” color touch screen display, voice recognition for nav and audio, Sirius XM satellite radio and traffic  and travel link, USB connection port, Bose audio system with 9-speakers, Bluetooth hands free phone system, and streaming audio via Bluetooth, hands free text messaging assistant and Siri eyes free, Aux. audio input jack, advanced drive assist display 3-12 volt DC outlets, dual zone climate control, 2nd row seat a/c vents, under floor cargo storage, power windows and door locks, keyless entry with push button start, remote engine start system, motion activated liftgate, high beam assist, daytime running lights, auto headlights on/off, fog lights, heated mirrors with LED turn signals, privacy glass, roof rails.

Gas Stats:

$3.15/ Gal avg. November 14, 2017

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

31 City and 34 Highway MPG (combined 33 mpg)

Pricing:

MSRP $32,510.