2017 Nissan Rogue Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Nissan introduced the Rogue for the 2008 model year, and while it’s an enticing model name, there’s not much that’s actually rogue about...

Nissan introduced the Rogue for the 2008 model year, and while it’s an enticing model name, there’s not much that’s actually rogue about it--it’s just Nissan’s answer to other successful compact crossover SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. That said, it is one of Nissan’s best-selling models and the second generation debuted for 2014, along with the third-generation Murano midsize crossover. Other competitors include the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The 2017 Nissan Rogue will remain largely the same mechanically as the 2016 model, though there will likely be a new Hybrid model, along with significant cosmetic revisions to the front and rear fascias.

Up front will likely be a revised front grille with mesh at the top, along with new LED headlamps and fog lights formed by a strip of LEDs rather than in the traditional circular design. At the rear will be new LED taillights with chrome surrounds.

Under the hood, the 2017 Rogue gets the same familiar 2.5-liter 4-cylinder from the first-generation Rogue and the Altima sedan. That engine makes an adequate but unremarkable 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT); a common complaint about the CVT is that it can keep the engine in the noisier part of the rev range for longer than is really necessary. The Rogue will do 0-60 mph in the mid-nine-second range. It comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), but all trims (S, SL, and SV) are available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well. Opting for AWD, however, doesn’t adversely affect fuel economy by much: a FWD Rogue gets 26 mpg city/33 highway/28 combined, and AWD only drops each number by one mpg.

Steering in the 2017 Nissan Rogue is electronically power-assisted and comes with an Active Ride Control system that adjusts engine and transmission dynamics over bumpy surfaces. It also comes with Active Trace Control, which can apply a single brake or adjust torque to an inside wheel to help cornering. Standard wheels are 17 inches mounted with all-season tires, but 18-inchers are optional and even come standard on the SL.

One of the most appealing things about the Rogue is that it's cheaper and more efficient than the larger V6 Murano, but has almost as much room inside. The rear cargo area is ample for groceries or luggage, and SL trims come with a power liftgate. For those hauling more people than things, there's a third-row seating option that places an extra bench behind the standard 5-seat layout. The third row is a little tight for adults, but kids should be fine during anything short of a long road trip.

Higher trims get convenience features like keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite and HD Radio, and a 6-speaker sound system. Springing for the SV gets you the NissanConnect system (which includes navigation and Siri Eyes Free voice control), dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear privacy glass. The SL, meanwhile, comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a telescopic steering column, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, fog lights, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2017 Rogue comes standard with hill-start assist and a rear-view camera, and AWD trims get hill descent control. A Select package includes blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, in addition to the panoramic sunroof. Other options include a surround-view camera, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure and forward-collision warnings with automatic braking. In crash tests, the Rogue received 4 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it did get Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

While not the freshest design out there, the 2017 Rogue remains a perfectly viable choice in the compact crossover SUV market, and the probable addition of a hybrid model makes it even more relevant in a world where manufacturers continue to diversify their powertrains. For people who don’t need the extra heft of the slightly larger Nissan Murano, the good value in terms of interior space and relatively high-quality fit and finish continue to be some of the Rogue’s biggest strong suits.