2017 Nissan Rogue Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2017, the Nissan Rogue gains a hybrid option, a slight styling refresh and additional sound insulation. Other available enhancements include a hands-free liftgate, adaptive cruise control with forward collision mitigation, remote ignition, a heated steering wheel, driver seat memory functions, a blacked-out Midnight Edition and a premium Platinum Reserve interior package.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Despite some praiseworthy aspects, the 2017 Nissan Rogue is rated below many other compact SUVs in the segment. It gets high marks for seat comfort and cargo capacity, but the lethargic acceleration and poor visibility are sore points. The Rogue's pricing is enticing, but we recommend checking out the class-leading Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 as well. Of particular interest may be the Rogue Hybrid, promising a substantial gain of 7 mpg, but the battery pack reduces cargo capacity, making it below average for the class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Nissan Rogue S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$130/mo  for Rogue S

　　Rogue S

　　S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $23,820 MSRPS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $24,420 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $25,170 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $25,770 MSRPSV 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $25,240 MSRPSV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $25,640 MSRPSV 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $26,590 MSRPSV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,990 MSRPSV Hybrid 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $26,240 MSRPSV Hybrid 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 07/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $26,640 MSRPSV Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,590 MSRPSV Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 07/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,990 MSRPSL 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $29,960 MSRPSL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $30,360 MSRPSL 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,310 MSRPSL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,710 MSRPSL Hybrid 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $31,160 MSRPSL Hybrid 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 07/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $31,560 MSRPSL Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $32,510 MSRPSL Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 07/17 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $32,910 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

What's it like to live with?

Get to know the Nissan Rogue even better. Learn about day-to-day ownership from our editorial experts' long-term test of a 2014 Rogue SL AWD. We know it is Nissan''s best-selling SUV. How was the fuel economy? How much can you pack in the cargo area for road trips? Is it comfortable? Learn this and more from our test. Note that the 2017 Rogue has additional sound insulation and better interior materials, but our coverage of the 2014 model is otherwise applicable.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

3.0 / 5

　　Despite some praiseworthy aspects, the long-term test of a 2014 Rogue SL AWD is rated below many other compact SUVs in the segment. It gets high marks for seat comfort and cargo capacity, but the lethargic acceleration and poor visibility are sore points.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Nissan Rogue SL (2.5L inline-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Nissan Rogue has had revisions, including the addition of more sound insulation. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Nissan Rogue.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	3.0 / 5
Driving	3.0
Comfort	4.0
Interior	3.0
Utility	3.5
Technology	3.0

　　

Driving

3.0

　　The Nissan Rogue's continuously variable transmission paired with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes it feel weak compared to other SUVs in the class. Its handling, though well mannered, is softer than we prefer.

　　

Acceleration

2.5

　　The engine has adequate low-end torque right off the line, but its rate of acceleration slows quickly. We measured a 0-60 mph time of 9.3 seconds, relatively slow for a vehicle in this class.

　　

Braking

3.0

　　The pedal feels soft and moves through a long stroke, but it's effective enough that we don't find it objectionable. The Rogue's panic-stop distance of 124 feet from 60 mph is about average for the segment.

　　

Steering

3.0

　　Steering effort is fairly heavy on the Rogue, which is something to consider if you prefer a highly assisted wheel that's easy to turn. There's a good feel for the road at moderate speeds, but don't expect a sporty response or feel.

　　

Handling

3.0

　　The Rogue isn't the sportiest choice in the compact SUV segment, but overall it handles well enough to make the driver feel confident in its abilities.

　　

Drivability

2.5

　　There's a "rubber-band" sensation that's typical of CVTs, meaning a noticeable delay between the application of the gas pedal and the delivery of acceleration. In most other ways, the Rogue is an easy-driving vehicle.

　　

Off-road

4.5

　　The Rogue offers more hardware for light off-roading than most of its competition. The all-wheel-drive model includes a locking center differential, hill descent control and brake-lock differentials front and rear.

　　

Comfort

4.0

　　Most buyers will be satisfied with the Rogue's ride comfort. It's not the softest in the class, but it's also not the stiffest. The front seats are particularly comfortable.

　　

Seat comfort

5.0

　　Front seat comfort is as good as it gets in this class. Heated front seats are standard on SL models, and the backseat area has air vents for passengers.

　　

Ride comfort

4.0

　　Despite the large 18-inch wheels on our top-level SL test model, the ride quality was pleasantly smooth. The Rogue is an easygoing SUV that makes long road trips feel enjoyable.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　Before this year's addition of more sound insulation, we noted some mild engine thrumming at very low speeds, mainly because of the CVT. Otherwise, the Rogue's wind and road noise levels are acceptable.

　　

Climate control

3.5

　　Upper-end models come with dual-zone automatic climate control. It's a simple system with knobs for the temperature control and buttons for manual fan speed adjustments. There are extra vents for the rear seats and available ventilated and heated seats. It's a solid setup with no notable issues.

　　

Interior

3.0

　　The Rogue's interior utilizes quality materials that are well assembled. Plastics are soft to the touch, and leather surfaces feel genuine. Third-row seating is available on S and SV models. We do have a few ergonomic gripes, though, and outward visibility is below average.

　　

Ease of use

3.0

　　The Rogue loses a few points because of the hard-to-reach turn signal stalk and the distant navigation screen, but the other controls are within easy reach and intuitive to use.

　　

Getting in/getting out

3.0

　　Though the Rogue's seat height is taller than in some rivals, getting in and out is still relatively easy. The doors open nice and wide, especially for rear passengers, revealing large entryways.

　　

Driving position

3.5

　　Multi-adjustable seats and a tilt-and-telescope steering column (power-adjustable on upper trims) mean no problem finding a comfortable position for most drivers. Sun glare from interior surfaces and the contoured hood is an occasional problem, depending on your seating position.

　　

Roominess

4.0

　　You'll won't feel confined in the Rogue whether in the front or back. The rear seats offer 9 inches of fore/aft adjustment, and both rows offer a good sense of space.

　　

Visibility

2.0

　　Although the windshield pillars are narrow enough, the other pillars are on the thick side, obstructing rear-quarter visibility in some situations. A rearview camera is standard on all trim levels, and it needs it.

　　

Quality

3.0

　　Interior materials and assembly quality are good. Buttons and knobs are above average in feel, but we noticed a few creaks from the cargo area.

　　

Utility

3.5

　　As far as compact crossovers go, the Rogue offers a lot of cargo space, and the clever organizer is very useful. Unfortunately, installing a child seat is more difficult than in rivals, and towing and interior storage come up short.

　　

Small-item storage

3.5

　　Interior storage is adequate but not generous. There are several small trays and pockets, while cupholders are about average in size.

　　

Cargo space

4.5

　　At 32 cubic feet with the second row up and 70 cubic feet with seats folded, the Rogue's cargo area is better than that of most rivals. The unique configurable cargo area gives it further advantage, but the slow-operating power liftgate detracts from its convenience.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

3.0

　　Accessing the LATCH anchors is more difficult than in other vehicles in the class, and a rear-facing child seat will force the front passenger to move their seat uncomfortably close to the dash.

　　

Towing

2.0

　　Though the Rogue has the ability to tow a trailer, its 1,000-pound capacity is low even for this segment.

　　

Technology

3.0

　　Although the audio and navigation system is fairly easy to use, we encountered several reliability issues. Points are also deducted because advanced safety features are available only on the top trim.

　　

Audio & navigation

3.0

　　The infotainment screen is on the small side and slightly out of reach for the driver. We've also had some iPhone pairing issues and intermittent crashes in which the system shut down and rebooted.

　　

Driver aids

3.5

　　Advanced safety features are available on the Rogue but are reserved for the top trim level only. The surround-view camera system (standard on the SL trim) is particularly handy considering the car's limited rearward visibility.

　　

Which Rogue does zzdcar recommend?

　　We recommend the midrange SV trim with the optional Premium package that adds the surround-view camera system and features like navigation and a hands-free power liftgate. As an added bonus, you get some of the SL trim's more notable features without the larger wheels that may detract from the ride quality.

　　

2017 Nissan Rogue models

　　The 2017 Nissan Rogue is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV that is available in three main trim levels: S, SV and SL. Regular Rogues come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 175 pound-feet of torque) paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available as an option.The Nissan Rogue Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder along with an electric motor (176 hp combined output) and is offered in front- or all-wheel drive. It is only available in SL and SV trims.

　　Standard feature highlights for the Rogue S include 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, a clever cargo management system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a 5-inch infotainment display and a four-speaker CD player with USB input and satellite radio.

　　The SV trim adds alloy wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, and a six-speaker audio system. The Midnight Edition, available on on the SV, adds blacked-out body pieces such as 17-inch wheels, mirror caps, black splash guards, rear bumper protector, and illuminated kick plates, as well as blacked-out roof rails and crossbars and Midnight Edition specific floor mats.

　　The top-of-the-line SL trim includes 18-inch wheels, automatic high beams, foglights, a hands-free power liftgate, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory functions, a universal garage door opener, a 7-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera system, a navigation system, Siri Eyes Free iPhone control, Nissan Connect emergency and convenience telematics, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

　　Some of the above features are available on the S and SV trims as options. Other notable add-ons include a third row of seats for the S and SV trims (increasing passenger capacity to seven) and a panoramic sunroof for the SV and SL. The SL trim is also eligible for adaptive cruise control with forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, and a new SL Premium Reserve package that spruces up the interior with premium quilted leather upholstery.

　　

2017 Rogue Highlights

Type: SUVHybridSUV

　　Trim: SSVSV HybridSLSL HybridS

　　

Base MSRP	$23,820
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$130/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles