2008 Nissan Rogue
Nissan's Versa passenger car combined small car exterior with a large car interior. Now, Nissan is performing the same magic with the 2008 Rogue. This new vehicle is a compact crossover vehicle that offers surprising room inside in a compact and stylish package.
The Rogue is available in two models -- the Rogue S and the more featured SL model. Prices range from $19,800 to $27,800, and both models are available in front wheel drive or All Wheel Drive configuration. The Rogue SL All Wheel Drive model runs just over a grand more than the front wheel drive SL model, and is worth every penny when on icy roads or loose gravel.
All Rogue models are equipped with the same engine and transmission. Power comes from a DOHC 16 valve per cylinder 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine with variable cam timing. The engine is smooth and performance is good with 170 horsepower, although the Rogue was noticeably slower accelerating with five adults in the vehicle. Fuel economy is good, with the all wheel drive models rated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Front wheel drive models get even better economy, with 22 mpg and 27 mpg city and highway respectively.
"For the size of the vehicle and what people are using it for, the gas mileage is good. You'll get in the high 20s for gas mileage," Tim Taszarek, sales manager at Gateway Hyundai Nissan said.
A large part of the Rogue's performance and economy can be attributed to the CVT automatic transmission. The continuously variable gear ratios keep the engine always operating in the optimum rpm range. In drive range, you don't notice this is a CVT. During all but full throttle acceleration, the engine rpm seems to build naturally as with a conventional automatic transmission. It just appears very smooth. Accelerate hard and the engine rpm goes up near redline and stays there as the Rogue accelerates, but it isn't buzzy or annoying as CVT transmissions in other vehicles. Nissan is using the CVT transmission on their passenger car lineup.
The Rogue SL added paddle shifters on the steering wheel for fingertip transmission control. With the shift lever in Drive, the paddle shifters will temporarily go into manual mode, allowing the driver to select six preset gear ratios. Move the shift lever to the left and the transmission stays in manual mode. The Rogue paddle shifters give almost instantaneous response to a shift request, yet smooth engagement of different gear ratios.
On the road, the Rogue handles very well. Traction control, ABS and Stability control are standard on all Rogue models. The four wheel independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars keep it level on corners and the ride is quite comfortable. The electric power steering could provide more feedback, but it was easy to drive.
Inside, there is lots of room. Headroom is excellent even with the SL's sunroof. Rear seat passenger leg room is also excellent, even with the front bucket seats adjusted all the way back. Behind the 60/40 split folding rear seat, there is still 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the seats flat and it increases to 57.9 cubic feet. A cargo cover keeps prying eyes away from stored goods.
Additional storage features include a very large glove box, door pockets, centre console, pouches on the backs of the front seats and a cargo organizer that folds flat into the rear floor and can be popped up in a second. This organizer was great when hauling groceries home.
Some vehicles come with a Leather package. The leather seats and trim look good, but it is a $1800 option and the cloth interior is nice, too. Power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, garage door opener and an upgrade Bose audio system are also part of the package, so it may be worth it.
"I would recommend this vehicle to my customers simply because of the affordability. You'll get a little bit smaller of a vehicle compared to a Murano, but you're also spending $10,000 less," Taszarek said.
Like Nissan's larger Murano SUV, the Rogue has a distinctive exterior styling. The rounded exterior makes the Rogue look smaller than its 182.9 inch overall length. Others didn't appreciate it as much. It doesn't look like other CUV's on the road. It is difficult to get away from boxy styling when designing practicality into a CUV or SUV but Nissan has managed to do it very well.
AT A GLANCE:
Configuration: All wheel drive five passenger compact CUV
Engine: 2.5 liter DOHC 4 cylinder producing 170 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 175 ft lb. torque @ 4400 rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic
Fuel Economy: City 21 mpg; Highway: 26 mpg
Suspension: Front: independent McPherson struts, coil springs; Rear: independent multi-link, coil springs
Brakes: Four wheel vented disc brakes, ABS
Special Features/Options: traction control, vehicle dynamic control, heated front seats, power drivers seat, moonroof, side-impact and side curtain airbags, steering wheel audio controls