The Nissan Rogue is Nissan’s entry-level volume small crossover. The name may seem odd but it reflects its personality. The Rogue is independent and has a …swagger about it. It’s fun to drive and aggressively styled. The Rogue adds a new dimension to the small crossover segment, satisfying both the functional and emotional needs of its owners.
What the press says….
“…Thanks to its stylish sheet metal and agile road manners, the Rogue isn’t like most compact crossovers. The steering is light during low-speed maneuvers, yet weights up reassuringly at speed. And the suspension takes bumps in stride while also providing a reassuringly stable attitude through the corners. Unlike most rivals, the Rogue features high-quality, soft-touch dashboard materials that contribute to the relatively upscale feel of the cabin.” –EDUMNDS.com
~ What’s Hot ~
Powerful 2.5-liter double overhead cam 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
Available Intuitive AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Sport Mode
Electric power-assisted steering
4-wheel vented disc brakes
Aggressive, sporty styling
Available High Intensity Discharge xenon headlights
Drive-oriented cockpit
Available fold-down front-passenger’s seat
Large glove compartment
Six Standard air bags
Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) with Traction Control System
Available Technologies
Bose® premium audio system
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
Nissan Intelligent Key®
Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic
Around View® Monitor
What the press says….
“…the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provided plenty of pep. Acceleration was aided by Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which provided smooth and consistent shifts in all driving conditions.
…We found that winding, curving back-country roads were easy to negotiate, thanks to the electric power-assisted steering, and the suspension kept body roll well under control.” –KELLEY BLUE BOOK (KBB.COM)
The Nissan Rogue sounds great, right? But how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s take a look at the Rogue’s two strongest competitors – the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is available in three trim levels with a 4-cylinder engine and front or all-wheel drive. It offers traditional styling and functional utility, but it lacks the aggressive, sporty styling and advanced features offered by the Rogue.
The Honda CR-V is a capable contender, let’s look at some of common statements from shoppers and see how it really compares.
“The CR-V is the best-selling small crossover.”
Response: “Best-selling” doesn’t necessarily translate into best vehicle. In fact, the Nissan Rogue offers several features you won’t find on any CR-V, including Xtronic CVT, HID xenon headlights, Intelligent Key, and Around View Monitor. CR-V does offer a rear-seat DVD entertainment system – but buyers must choose between DVD and navigation, as Honda does not offer a CR-V equipped with both.
“CR-V has spacious passenger and cargo areas.”
Response: Most of the 2012 CR-V’s interior dimensions are less than the model it replaces. While CR-V’s numbers indicate more overall passenger volume and cargo capacity, the Rogue has its own functional advantages such as a much deeper glove compartment and available fold-down front-passenger’s seat. In addition, the Rogue continues to offer more front head and leg room.
“CR-V has more horsepower.”
Response: True, but you don’t get that power until 7000 rpm. Rogue’s power is available sooner at 6000 rpm. The Rogue also delivers more torque and features the innovative CVT. With Rogue’s horsepower, torque and transmission combination, drivers experience excellent acceleration and passing performance.
What the press says…..
“….there are real-world drawbacks to dog-slow crossovers. Run up on a surprisingly slow truck on the freeway, and you’d better have a long opening behind you in the left lane. When you pop out to pass and give the CR-V the boot, it’s going to need a lot oftime to get up to speed…Neither of the infotainment system’s two screens presents information clearly and the controls for both are obtuse. If this Gen-Y author couldn’t immediately figure out how to navigate a USB-connected iPod, you’ve got trouble.” --CARANDDRIVER.COM
“….it has what we think is the best rear-seat folding arrangement of any vehicle in this class….As for the rest of the 2012 CR-V driving experience, it’s absolutely nothing to get excited about…. Honda has fitted an electronic power steering system to the CR-V, and in this vehicle it fails to five the new model the confident handling feel that we expect from Honda.”
–THECARCONNECTION.COM
Toyota RAV4
RAV4 is Toyota’s small crossover, available with 2 or 3-row seating. It is available in three different trim levels with the choice of a 4-cylinder or V6 engine and front or all-wheel drive. RAV4 has the second-largest share of the small crossover segment. The Rogue, however, offers a comparable range of features, more aggressive styling and lower MSRP’s.
The RAV4 is another strong contender. Here are some comments frequently made by shoppers.
“RAV4 has an available 3rd-row seat.”
Response: Yes, it is but the tight space is only suitable for small children. Also, when the 3rd-row seat is upright, RAV4 has only 12.3 cu. ft. of cargo area.
“RAV4 has more 4-cylinder engine horsepower and an available V6 engine.”
Response: The difference in 4-cylinder horsepower is countered with Rogue’s higher torque rating for stronger acceleration. The V6 engine brings with it lower EPA mileage estimates, and the only real need for a V6 in this class of vehicle is if the owner intends to tow a trailer.
“RAV4 boasts class-leading interior space.”
While the numbers indicate more overall passenger volume and cargo capacity, the Rogue has its own functional advantages such as the available fold-down front-passenger’s seat and a more practical lift gate instead of a side-hinged rear door that makes curbside loading inconvenient. In addition, Rogue has more front leg room.
What the press says……
“While all the features are here, truly lackluster safety ratings punt the RAV4 to near the back of the pack among crossovers.”
–THECARCONNECTION.COM
“Interior has a budget feel; right-side hinge for tailgate impedes curbside loading; taller drivers are a tight fit.”
–EDMUNDS.COM
As you can see, it is well worth your time to investigate the Nissan Rogue further. Would you like to take a test drive? Call me – I’m at your service!
Rexanne Smith
Queen of Cars
(205) 989-4238
