Nissan’s Rogue compact crossover makes a good showing in a segment occupied by such blockbusters as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Rogue’s appeal rests in its sophisticated appearance, copious standard features, affordable pricing, and third-row seat availability.
After a complete makeover for the 2014 model year, Rogue is carried over for 2015 and comes in five different grades: S, S AWD, SV, SV AWD, and SL. Base pricing starts at $23,925 for the S model and tops out at $29,165 for the SL. These prices include the destination charge, $885.
The version I drove was the SV AWD, priced at $26,725 with destination charge. Its only optional equipment was an SV Premium Package, adding a generous list of desirable features for the comparatively modest amount of $1,590: NissanConnect (the company’s integrated audio, navigation and communication system with 7-inch color touchscreen display); an AroundView warning system to assist the driver with parking-related maneuvers; a power liftgate; blind spot and lane departure warning systems; moving object detection; and heating for the outside mirrors and front seats.
A four-cylinder engine fixed to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides 170 horsepower, enough to get the propulsion job done adequately if not excitingly. Strongly in its favor, the powertrain is a smooth one, and delivers a healthy fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Driver-selectable Sport and Eco modes are also part of the mix.
Rogue is comfortable and civilized during highway cruising, and can tackle twisty roads without embarrassing itself.
Interior spaciousness is outstanding for a compact crossover. Even with front seats adjusted to favor the fairly long-legged, rear passengers still have plenty of daylight between the front seatback and their knees.
Another benefit for rear passengers is Rogue’s “theater seating,” in which second-row seats are positioned a bit higher than the front seats, providing a better view of the outside scenery. Even with the height boost, rear headroom is generous. For passengers seated in the theater’s front row, headroom is tremendous.
Rogue’s navigation system could be considered the gold standard for people who think technology should make our lives easier, not make us crazy; who just want their navigation system to get them to an intended address, not guide a space shuttle’s reentry to Earth; and who want to see helpful road maps on the screen, not be entertained by Pixar-like graphics and special effects.
Among the notable interior amenities included as standard equipment on the SV AWD model are a six-way power driver seat with lumbar support, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, second-row air-conditioning vents, and a six-speaker audio system with CD player.
My tester was in standard five-passenger configuration, not equipped with a third-row seat. The spacious cargo area has a simple but ingenious shelf system: the flat floor consists of two panels that can be lifted up and inserted at different levels, like racks in an oven. This makes the cargo area much more useful and flexible for stacking and stowing items of varying sizes and shapes. When in place at the bottom of the cargo hold, the panels cover a hidden storage area.
The 2016 Nissan Rogue is arriving at dealerships this fall. Changes for the 2016 version are as follows:
- Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) added to Rogue SL Premium Package
- NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM added to Rogue SL
- Blind Spot Warning functionality changed from camera-based to radar-based
- Siri Eyes Free added to Rogue SV Premium Package and Rogue SL
- Body-colored outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and chrome door handles added to Rogue S Appearance Package
- Addition of one new exterior color: Magnetic Black (Super Black no longer available)
- Offered in three models: S, SV and SL (all models available in FWD and AWD)
2015 NISSAN ROGUE SV AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $26,725
Price as driven: $28,315
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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