The Nissan Rogue matches the Honda CR-V for carlike road manners and fuel economy, though it's not as quiet on the inside and doesn't ride as smoothly. The Rogue is priced lower than the CR-V. It should be a good choice for drivers looking for a daily commuter with lots of cargo space. Drivers who tow boats and go off-road will want to consider more rugged vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra or Jeep Liberty.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Kirk Bell filed this report on the Nissan Rogue from Baltimore.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Nissan Rogue S ($20,220); AWD ($21,240); SL ($21,810); AWD ($23,010)
Engines:
170-hp 2.5-liter inline-4
Transmissions:
continuously variable transmission
Safety equipment (standard):
dual front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors, front seat active head restraints, LATCH-style child seat anchors, tire-pressure monitor, ABS with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, traction control, antiskid control
Safety equipment (optional):
all-wheel drive
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
Kyushu, Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Nissan Rogue SL AWD ($23,010)
Standard equipment:
cloth upholstery, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, six-way manually adjustable front seats, cruise control, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and auxiliary input jack, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, roof rails, 225/60R17 tires on aluminum wheels
Options as tested (MSRP):
Premium Package ($2,230) includes Bose premium audio with seven speakers and six-disc CD changer, XM satellite radio, steering wheel mounted audio controls, speed-sensitive volume control, paddle shifters, foldable rear cargo organizer, rear tonneau cover, fog lights, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, xenon headlights, Nissan Intelligent Key keyless ignition, and pre-wiring for tow hitch
Destination charge:
($780)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$26,020
Layout:
all-wheel drive
Engine:
2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
170 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
175 @ 4400
Transmission:
CVT
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
21/26 mpg
Wheelbase:
105.9 in.
Length/width/height:
182.9/70.9/66.3 in.
Track, f/r:
60.6/61.0 in.
Turning circle:
37.4 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.4/53.1/42.5 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
38.3/51.2/35.3 in.
Cargo volume:
57.9 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
1500 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, struts with stabilizer bar, shock absorbers and springs
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link with shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
8.3 in.
Curb weight:
3534 lbs.
Tires:
P225/60R17
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
15.9 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of September 09, 2008.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-647-7261 -
www.nissanusa.com
