Guess which is Nissan’s top-selling vehicle in the United States? No, it isn’t the popular Altima sedan. It is the Rogue, a compact crossover that has delivered a cozy well-damped ride while targeting youthful and active lifestyles. For 2023, the 1.5-liter DOHC turbocharged engine develops 201 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 225 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. It is coupled with a continuous variable transmission, which can be noisy at times. The electric power rack-and-pinion steering conveys a solid on-center feel, willing to change directions when hustled along on the road. An independent strut with coil springs makes up the front while the rear is equipped with a multilink suspension. The all-wheel-drive system distributes torque evenly to the wheels irrespective of road conditions. Ensconced on the unibody-type structure is a V-motion black grille with chrome accents, and LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Offered at no extra cost on the Platinum trim are dual auto a/c, 9-inch touchscreen for infotainment controls, eight-way driver and four-way front-passenger power and heated seats, quilted semi-aniline leather seats and shifter, tilt/telescopic steering column, push-button start, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. Ingress and egress is effortless with the 60/40-split rear seat, which when folded, ekes out 74.1 cubic feet of space. And passenger volume is an admirable 105.4 cubic feet. An under-floor cargo area tray can come in handy to store soaked belongings. Need to haul extra luggage/belongings? The roof rack capacity can hold up to 220 pounds of weight. Dual front and side airbags, front center airbag, side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, antiskid system, front seat active-head restraints, rear cross traffic alert, front/rear crumple zones, hill start assist, blind spot warning, lane-departure warning, auto emergency brake with pedestrian detection, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Looking into the future of autonomous transport, the ProPilot Assist helps drivers to maintain their lane, and set vehicle speed and distance to a car ahead. Listen up, all you younger and urban SUV buyers. Nothing beats the Rogue in usefulness, functionality, respectable fuel-economy figures and value. In fact, it is one handy ‘Rogue’ you want to keep by your side, or in this case, parked in your garage.
ROGUE
AWD (PREMIUM)Tires: 235/55R19
Wheelbase: 106.5 inchesLength, 183 inchesWidth: 72.4 inches
Height: 66.5 inches
Weight, 3,713 poundsFuel capacity: 14.5 gallonsCity: 28 mpgHighway: 34 mpg Base price:
$38,640
Price as tested: $43,100
Web site: www.nissanusa.com