New engine in 2022 Nissan Rogue improves power and fuel economy

The cool-looking Rogue compact SUV is Nissan’s best-selling model and one of the most popular among all compact SUVs in general.

For 2022 the Rogue gets a quicker engine. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 201 horsepower takes over for the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder whose output was 181 hp.

Fuel economy isn’t diminished by the power boost, it’s improved by about 3 mpg. A more refined new CVT automatic transmission shares credit for the better fuel efficiency.

There are four Rogue trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each one comes with front- wheel drive as standard equipment and offers all-wheel drive for an extra $1,500.

Rogue’s fuel economy is excellent for a gas-powered compact SUV. With front-wheel drive, fuel economy ratings for S and SV trims are 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. For SL and Platinum trims the numbers are 29/36/32 mpg.

With all-wheel drive, S and SV get 28/35/31 mpg. SL and Platinum trims are lower by one mile for highway driving but are still rated 31 mpg for combined.

Pricing starts at $28,445 for a front-drive S model and levels off at $39,725 for the Platinum with all-wheel drive. These figures include a $1,295 destination charge.

The base S trim comes decently equipped with standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels, an infotainment system with 8-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four-speaker stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio, a couple of USB ports, and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 collection of safety technologies such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking and more.

For a little less than $1,700 above the S, the SV beckons. It comes with 18-inch wheels and adds an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, two extra audio speakers, keyless entry, two rear-seat USB ports, a 360-degree camera system, Wi-Fi hotspot, adaptive cruise control and several other appealing features. An optional SV Premium Package ($2,660) changes the upholstery from cloth to synthetic leather and provides heat for the steering wheel and front seats, a panoramic moonroof, power liftgate, and roof rails.

The 2022 Rogue interior has two rows of seats accommodating up to five passengers who are given liberal amounts of room. They travel in Nissan’s signature NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats designed for spinal support and low fatigue. Rogue’s relaxing ride is further insurance against discomfort.

The rear cargo area has high utility with its wide opening and 31.6 cubic feet of room with second row seats occupied. SL and Platinum trims have a Divide-N-Hide cargo system providing hidden and secure stowage space for smaller valuable items. Rear doors are also wide and open to nearly 90 degrees, making entry and exit a cinch. When opening or closing, the doors have two stopping points along the way, so no worries about whacking into a neighboring car or having the door whack into you or your passenger.

Second row seats are effortlessly folded with the flip of a lever, either seat-mounted or from the cargo area. And, just as admirable, they lift back into upright position with equal ease.

The extra horsepower created by Rogue’s new engine this year is welcomed, but it still lacks dramatic capability, which is fine. Rogue has never been in a race against its competitors for bust-out acceleration.

2022 NISSAN ROGUE PLATINUM AWD

Base price, including destination charge: $39,725

Price as driven: $41,930

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.