First Drive: 2014 Nissan Rogue SV AWD
05/22/2014
Shahed Hussain
When Nissan introduced the Rogue to the American market in 2007, few would have guessed that it would rise to become the second in overall sales for Nissan. In the ensuing years, the compact SUV market has exploded, with entries from every major brand. The Rogue continued to be a strong seller for Nissan, but the first-generation model needed a complete redesign to remain competitive. So after an extended seven year run, the completely new 2014 Rogue debuted to take on the CR-V, RAV4, Escape and Equinox. Nissan will continue to produce the old model, renamed the Rogue Select, as an entry-level SUV.
The Rogue is available in S ($22,790), SV ($24,490) and SL ($28,280) trim levels. All models can be configured with all-wheel drive, adding $1,350 to the sticker price. A 7-passenger configuration is available for the first time on the Rogue S and SV models. Notable available options include heated leather seats, navigation, Bose(R) audio system, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Around View(R) monitor. The Rogue SV AWD we drove was optioned up to $29,215 and included the SV Premium Package ($1,420) and SV Family Package ($940).
The most noticeable upgrade in the new Rogue is in the interior design and materials, which are now competitive with the CR-V, Escape, and RAV4. Soft trim on the dashboard and doors feel pleasing to the touch. The comfortable fabric upholstered front seats provided decent lateral support. Although rear compartment is spacious, the thinly padded seat cushions detract from overall comfort.
Despite the all new design, the Rogue's front suspension retains MacPherson struts, coil springs, and stabilizer bar. At the rear is a multi-link setup with dampers and a stabilizer bar. Seventeen and eighteen-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/65R17 or 225/60R18 all-season tires are standard on the Rogue SV and SL, respectively. Steering is via an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion system with variable assist. Brakes are vented discs at all four wheels with power assist, ABS, and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) standard. During our short drive, we appreciated the Rogue's precise steering and compliant ride. Around curves, the Rogue exhibits the moderate body roll typical of other SUVs in its class.
Nissan left the Rogue's powertrain unchanged. The DOHC 2.5L inline-4 is rated at 170-bhp @ 6,000 RPM and 175 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 RPM, coupled to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Harnessed to the 3,545 lbs. Rogue, the inline-4 supplies just adequate acceleration. CVTs are often maligned for droning during acceleration, but Nissan's engineers have subdued this annoying CVT characteristic. Even with the near optimal torque output available from the CVT, a full load of passengers and cargo may leave some owners wishing for turbo or a V-6.
After Nissan's complete update, the Rogue is certainly a decent choice among compact SUVs. An optional V-6 would certainly be appreciated by some customers, since the Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox are both available with more powerful engines. However, Nissan likely saw no reason to deviate much from its successful formula for the Rogue.