Nissan’s 2010 Rogue offers coupe-like handling and a cozy cabin, but, arguably, little of the versatility one expects from a dedicated crossover. This five-door, five passenger compact CUV does provide 58 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, and credible rear passenger room, but handling and ride comfort are more its stock in trade. The 2010 Rogue is delivered in three trim levels, the base S, the high-end SL, and the fashionista-oriented S Krom Edition. All trims are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), and they all share the same inline four-cylinder (I4) powerplant. Though distantly related to Nissan’s forgettable Sentra, the Rogue is most emphatically its own entity, though it's somewhat overshadowed by the likes of Honda’s CR-V, Toyota’s RAV4, and Mazda’s CX-7.

All three of the 2010 Rogue trims pack the standard 2.5-liter variable-valve-timed I4 that’s managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to produce 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. Maximum towing capacity with the 2.5-liter engine is 1,500 pounds, which isn’t a heck of a lot, but a tow hitch and wiring are offered as an option. EPA estimates for the I4 are 22/27 with FWD and 21/26 with AWD. Should the SL Premium Package be selected as an option, paddle shifters convert the CVT into essentially a six-speed auto-manual transmission.

Creature comforts and appearance goodies for the 2010 Rogue are adequate, if not lavish, with the S trim, for instance, featuring 16-inch steel wheels, front cloth bucket seats, split-folding rear seatbacks, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise with steering-wheel-mounted controls, tilt-wheel steering, front and overhead consoles, air conditioning, simulated alloy dash and door trim, and a single-CD player with four speakers. The Rogue SL adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack with side rails, trip computer, six-way power driver’s seat, and fold-flat front passenger seat to the mix, while the S Krom Edition boast unique exterior styling and chrome, as well as a sport-tuned exhaust.

Options for the Rogue S trim are a bit limited, but include splash guards and the 360-Degree Value Package, offering alloy wheels and a mirror-mounted rear-view camera. The SL, on the other hand, offers a number of options packages featuring such amenities as leather-appointed upholstery, heated seats and mirrors, Bose eight-speaker premium audio with a 6-CD changer and satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free communication. A stand-alone option for the SL is a power moonroof with wind deflector. The S Krom Edition offers floor mats and a cargo mat as its only available options.

With four-wheel ABS and the accompanying emergency braking assist, as well as traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, active front headrests, and a remote anti-theft alarm, the 2010 Rogue offers more-than-adequate passenger protection. Additionally, front fog/driving lights are available with the SL FWD and AWD trims, and HID headlights are optional with the SL AWD trim.

Owners of the 2009 Nissan Rogue cite lackluster acceleration, a disconcerting amount of road and engine noise, poor visibility aft, lack of auto on-off headlights, and a somewhat unappealing fascia as disappointing glitches. Positives, on the other hand, include gas mileage, ride comfort, handling, the smooth, if a tad loud, CVT, abundant standard cabin amenities, and overall value as reasons for purchasing this nimble crossover.