2018 Nissan Rogue Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

New optional semiautonomous driving features (called ProPilot Assist)Standard Apple CarPlay and Android AutoA third row is no longer availablePart of the second Rogue generation introduced for 2014

　　The word "rogue" gets a lot of play in today's media and conversation. Similar to "maverick," it's often used flatteringly to describe someone who defies convention to forge his or her own singular path. While you can certainly credit Nissan's marketers for smartly tapping into this theme, the 2018 Nissan Rogue is not that kind of car.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Nissan Rogue S 4dr SUV (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 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $24,800 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,150 MSRPSV 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,020 MSRPSV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $27,370 MSRPSV Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,020 MSRPSV Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $28,370 MSRPSL 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,180 MSRPSL 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $32,530 MSRPSL Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $32,380 MSRPSL Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $33,730 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Really, this is about as mainstream a choice for a small crossover as you'll find. Nissan sells loads of them. And there's a lot to like. Cabin and seat comfort are excellent, as are cargo space and utility. The Rogue's upscale interior materials and design also give the cabin a classy feel. Seventy cubic feet of cargo space makes it one of the roomier and more versatile small SUVs around.

　　But the Rogue's lethargic acceleration and poor visibility drop it a notch from competitors that do better. Its sole four-cylinder engine and sluggish continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) drag down an otherwise competent package, and there's nary a hint of handling spirit that you'll find in the Rogue's competitors from Honda, Mazda or even Chevrolet. The Rogue is enticing, yes, but it doesn't do much to stand out from the pack or measure up to its namesake.

　　

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 2018 Rogue has better interior materials, smartphone integration, optional advanced driving aids and a hybrid trim, but our coverage of the 2014 model is otherwise applicable.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

6.9 / 10

　　Despite some noteworthy strengths, the 2018 Nissan Rogue ranks below many of its crossover SUV rivals overall. Cabin and seat comfort are excellent, as is cargo space and utility. But the Rogue's lethargic acceleration and poor visibility drop it down a notch.

　　

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, Nissan has revised the current Rogue, notably adding more sound insulation to curb excess powertrain noise and now offering expanded technology, including semi-autonomous driving features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Rogue, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	6.9 / 10
Driving	6.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.5

　　

Driving

6.5

　　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

6.0

　　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

7.0

　　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

6.5

　　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

7.0

　　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

6.0

　　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

8.5

　　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

8.0

　　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

9.0

　　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

8.0

　　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

7.0

　　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.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　The Rogue's interior uses quality materials that are well-assembled. Plastics are soft to the touch, and leather surfaces feel genuine. We do have a few ergonomic gripes, though, and outward visibility is below average.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　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

7.0

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

　　

Roominess

8.0

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

　　

Visibility

5.0

　　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's needed.

　　

Quality

7.0

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

　　

Utility

8.5

　　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

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

　　

Cargo space

　　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 a further advantage, but the slow-operating power liftgate detracts from its convenience.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

　　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 his or her seat uncomfortably close to the dash.

　　

Towing

5.0

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

　　

Technology

　　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

　　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

　　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?

　　For most uses — commuter, family and recreational — we'd recommend the SV trim with the optional Premium package. The latter adds useful features such as a surround-view camera system, navigation and a power liftgate. You also get some of the SL trim's more desirable items without the larger wheels that can detract from the ride quality.

　　

2018 Nissan Rogue models

　　The 2018 Nissan Rogue is a small crossover SUV available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL. The smaller Rogue Sport model is reviewed separately.

　　Most Rogues come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 175 pound-feet of torque) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

　　The Rogue Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor (176 hp combined output) and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's available only in SV and SL trims.

　　Standard features on S trims include 17-inch steel wheels, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats that also slide and recline, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a four-speaker CD player with satellite radio and dual USB inputs. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic emergency braking.

　　The SV trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power liftgate, heated side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system.

　　The SV Midnight Edition styling package adds blacked-out body elements such as 17-inch wheels, mirror caps and roof rails.

　　The top-trim SL includes 18-inch wheels, automatic high beams, foglights, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, a surround-view camera system, a navigation system, NissanConnect emergency and convenience services, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system that adds HD radio.

　　Driver assist and safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and upgraded automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

　　Several of the SL's features are available on the SV as part of the Premium or Sun and Sound Touring packages. Options for the SL include a panoramic sunroof (also available for the SV) and LED headlights, while the Platinum package bundles 19-inch wheels, an electronic parking brake and the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving features. Quilted tan leather upholstery is also available.

　　

2018 Rogue Highlights

Type: SUVHybridSUV

　　Trim: SSVSV HybridSLSL HybridS

　　

Base MSRP	$24,800
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