Nissan Rogue - the latest small SUV

What U.S. roads need is another small SUV designed for Generation X-ers. That's the conclusion Nissan marketers told journalists at the introduction of the new Nissan Rogue SUV at a recent event in Manhattan. What they probably meant was, "Oops, Nissan really missed getting a small SUV on the market five years ago, and we'd better come up with a new way to slice this niche."

To be fair, Nissan has been selling a small SUV--the X-Trail--in other markets but never offered it here.

With the success of Nissan's sporty midsized crossover, it seems natural for the company to model the smaller, less expensive Rogue after the Murano. As regular blog readers know, the Murano is a favorite among many staffers.

Predictably, the Rogue looks something like a smaller Murano. It uses Nissan's 170-hp, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine from the Sentra, and it has a standard continuously variable transmission -- a powertrain combination that impressed us in the Nissan Altima 2.5S in our March road test. Uplevel SL models have optional paddle shifters, and all models will be available with a locking center differential for more difficult off-road terrain.

The Rogue also has more available upscale features than most small SUVs, such as a Bluetooth-compatible Bose stereo with XM satellite radio, Xenon HID headlights, and heated leather seats. We're also happy to see that the Rogue comes standard with a full complement of safety-aids, including VDC stability and traction control and ABS.

Like the Murano, the Rogue favors curvy looks over boxy utility. This limits visibility somewhat (though not as badly as in the Murano). We were relatively impressed, however, with the wide, flat cargo area with no intruding strut towers; this is made possible by the independent rear suspension. The front passenger seat also folds flat for longer cargo.

In the end, Rogue appears less revolutionary than the marketing hype would suggest, but it's nice to see that it actually remains faithful to the definition of "small." We'll have to see for ourselves how it stacks up when we buy a Rogue to test for ourselves.

The Rogue goes on sale in October for a base price of just under $20,000.

--Eric Evarts

Comments

[Sean]

Why does every small SUV look the same? Everytime I see a new introduction, it reminds me of the Hyundai Sante Fe. They all have the bubble front with the side "HIPS" in the back. Can we have some cars with some substance and styling.

[Lance]

I can't wait for CR to test Nissan Rogue. It looks promising. I'm still deciding whether I should buy a used Murano 2007 or a new Rogue.
I welcome any suggestions.

[Derrick]

I purchased my Rogue on Oct 20, 2007, after trading my 2003 350z was also new body style and Generation. Yes, was in need of a change, looking forward to viewing information on test results.

[Nancy]

Derrick:
How have you liked your Rogue? I am thinking about buying one this week.
Thx.

[gary]

I purchased a Nissan Rogue in October and I could not be happier. It handles well, gets 23 miles per gallon in town and I am averaging 27 miles per gallon on the highway. It does have some road noise, but otherwise its great. The best thing I like about it is I am 6'5" and I have plenty of room in the back seat and more headroom than my Ford Explorer Sport Trac.I hope it gets good ratings with consumer reports,because I couldn't be more satisfied at the present time.

[Dési]

I really like the Murano, though not in my price range. I therefore welcomed the arrival of the Rogue. I am waiting for a result from CR, being a new car it has no track record. I also am looking at the Sante Fe. That way I can compare the 2.

[janice richardson]

When does the 2009 Rogue come out?

[Deb Smith]

I am considering purchasing a Nissan rogue, but am hesitant given the fact it is relatively new without much of a track record. I would appreciate feedback.

[Karen]

I just returned from a trip to Utah where I rented a Nissan Rogue for a week. I found it responsive in the curves and comfortable to drive. The cargo area is a little small but we did fit a small electric wheelchair and four people's bags for a short trip in the cargo area. I am contemplating buying one after this trip.

[Beaknose]

My husband and I bought a 2008 Nissan Rogue. Originally, our final decision came down to the fact that back in 1994 we had bought a new Nissan Altima and had VERY good luck with the car, so decided to stay with Nissan. Our Rogue will be a year old in February, is garage kept and only has 4000 miles on it. Just before we took it in for the 3000 mile checkup, I noticed the fog light on the passenger side had popped out. Took it in for the checkup and to put the fog light back in. The Nissan dealer informed us that someone had backed into our front passenger side {probably while backing out of a parking space}. There was no visible damage to the bumper from our viewpoint. But, we learned the whole front bumper would have to be replaced because the brace that holds the fog light in place broke when it was backed in to. {the brace can not be replaced, only the whole front bumper......This is very costly}. In our opinion, this is very poor engineering and workmanship if the whole bumper will have to be replaced every time someone taps your bumper. We called Nissan to inform them of this problem and to see if there was anything they could do to help with this replacement. They said NO. We will be getting rid of this product, because we can't take a chance of the brace breaking again and having to pay the cost of replacing the WHOLE bumper every time. We're not talking about a hard hit on this bumper or it would have left noticeable damage. Only a Nissan dealership was able to see that it had been bumped and pointed it out to us.

[doodah]

We drove a Nissan small SUV in Ireland recently; a very nice car. The name of the model on the back was QUASQUA. I looked it up and could only get response in Oriental writing. Does any one know what the US version of the same car is called??

[ace boz]

the rouge has a vibration in the drivline problem that nisan cant fix, drive it at 40 mph and you can feel it, it gets worse and then you can feel it at any speeds,