2022 Nissan Rogue

　　

2022 Nissan Rogue Review

byKathleen ClontsCopy Chief

　　Kathleen Clonts is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that is the company's top-selling vehicle. It was redesigned last year, and we liked the added comfort, storage space and available technology so much that we moved near the top of our small SUV rankings. Now for its sophomore year, this latest-generation Rogue receives a new engine that's more powerful and promises improved fuel economy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Nissan Rogue S 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$115/mo  for Rogue S

　　Rogue S

　　S 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $27,150 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $28,650 MSRPSV 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $28,840 MSRPSV 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $30,340 MSRPSL 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $33,500 MSRPSL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,000 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $36,930 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,430 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　This new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine packs 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque — a boost of 20 hp and 44 lb-ft over the previous non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It also comes with Nissan's variable compression ratio design feature. As seen on the Altima sedan, it can change its compression ratio in real time, enabling it to enhance fuel efficiency or engine power, depending on conditions and driver demand.

　　The 2022 Rogue definitely delivers on the fuel economy front, with the base front-wheel-drive model getting EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, a 3 mpg leap over the 2021 model. The engine is also paired to a new continuously variable automatic transmission, with wider gear ratio coverage and other updates that Nissan says contribute to better mpg and responsiveness.

　　We're glad Nissan has introduced a new engine for the Rogue because the old one felt underpowered. In our brief drive of the 2022 Rogue, the added power and torque — Nissan says it has the most of any standard gas engine in its class — imparted confidence. You'll have no problem passing when you're out running errands or merging on the highway or essentially doing the type of driving that you're expecting to do if you’re on the hunt for a spacious, comfortable small SUV.

　　The Rogue's fresh style and generous amount of features help it stand out from its rivals, and the new engine's extra oomph only strengthens the offering for 2022. On the feature front, every Rogue has an impressive number of standard driver assist features, such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, as well as entertainment technology including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. On the top Platinum trim you'll find quilted leather seats and a head-up display. Still, the Rogue faces top-tier contenders including the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5. Once we're able to do a full test and evaluation, we'll see if it moves up further in our rankings.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Rogue drive? The turbocharged three-cylinder engine is surprisingly punchy. It makes plenty of power for passing and merging. It also delivers a respectably quick sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a little more than 8 seconds. Unfortunately, in routine driving the engine and transmission don't always respond smoothly when you press on the accelerator. The powertrain can feel slow to respond at first, and then lurchy and surging soon after.

　　Around corners, the Rogue is capable and composed but not particularly fun. The steering doesn't give you much feel for the road. There's also a noticeable dead spot in the steering when you're driving straight, especially at city speeds, so it's easy to drift if you're not going fast enough to use the Rogue's lane centering system.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Rogue? The Rogue is a comfortable SUV in most ways. The seats are soft and feel like they mold to your body, which is great on long drives. The front seats' only notable weakness is the slightly forward placement of headrests that some taller drivers might find uncomfortable. The Rogue also has available triple-zone climate control, which is a rare feature among small SUVs.

　　Compared to top competitors, the Rogue's ride feels busier and less refined on less than smooth roads. We felt a lot of the rough edges of road imperfections, and the Rogue had more side-to-side motions over uneven pavement than we'd expect.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below