By Alex Kramer

Pros:

• Gutsy 4-cylinder engine
• Confident handling
• Sleek, bold exterior style
• Excellent value

Cons:

• Yo-yo for a transmission
• Less than spacious interior
• Poor rearward visibility

Small SUVs have become one of the fastest growing segments of the car industry, selling over 300,000 units last year. With gas at over $3 a gallon, it’s no wonder people are looking for cars that offer increased cargo room and all weather capability, yet don’t suffer much when it comes to fuel efficiency. The only surprising thing is that some of the major car companies still don’t offer a model to compete in this lucrative niche. For Nissan, that finally changes this year with the introduction of the all-new Rogue, a crossover SUV that seats 5 and offers optional all-wheel drive. Fortunately, the Rogue lives up to its name and should steal some thunder away from the competition.

Driving Impressions
The Rogue is based on the same chassis as the compact Sentra and definitely drives more like a small sporty sedan than a large hulking SUV. Equipped with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 hp and 175 ft-lb of torque, the Rogue is underpowered when compared to competitors that offer a V6, but this eager little engine proved to be quite the overachiever, providing healthy doses of torque and revving eagerly to the redline. With a 0-60 time in the low 8 seconds and handling numbers that would make more than a few passenger cars jealous, this is a surprisingly athletic little crossover.

To further maximize power and efficiency, the engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Featuring a manual mode with six preset gear ratios, the transmission allows the driver to shift gears using steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Although the shifters might seem a bit gimmicky at first, looking like they’ve been pulled straight from a video game console, being able to quickly fire off shifts proved quite useful when going for a spirited drive in the hills.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the more conventional automatic mode. Like many CVTs, there is often a brief but annoying delay between pressing the accelerator and actual acceleration, due to the transmission waiting for the engine to rev-up before applying torque to the wheels. This rubber band effect is quite pronounced at certain speeds, which is a shame given the peppy go get ‘em nature of the engine. My advice to Rogue drivers: leave it in manual mode and practice that boy racer smile!

The Rogue’s sure-footed handling is also a pleasant surprise, with the front struts and rear independent multi-link suspension keeping the car firmly planted on the road. Even without the optional all-wheel drive, our test model exhibited excellent composure on uneven and slippery road surfaces. Some body roll is present when cornering, but the responsive steering, fade-free brakes, and more than adequate tire grip inspire confidence when tackling the twisties.

Build
The Rogue is nicely bolted together, especially for an entry-level vehicle that doesn’t break the bank. Materials and workmanship are solid all-around, and interior noise levels, although not whisper quiet, are quite acceptable. Another plus is the Rogue’s comprehensive array of safety features, which include Nissan’s Advanced Airbag System, featuring front and side curtain airbags, as well as vehicle dynamic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.

Interior
Our test model featured a dark gray/black interior with supportive cloth seats and smooth plastic surfaces. One reach for the manual seat adjustment and you realize that the Rogue is no luxury car, but it’s nevertheless quite well appointed, with easy to use climate controls and a Bose Premium Audio system with 7 speakers, 6 disc in dash CD player, and XM Satellite radio.

Climb into the back seat and one of the Rogue’s main shortcomings does become obvious. Rear seat room and cargo capacity are rather cramped, likely due to the Rogue’s sleek exterior shape and plunging roofline. Even with the rear seats folded down there is barely room for a bicycle or other larger object, which unfortunately mitigates any practical advantages the Rogue might have over a small sedan. Rearview visibility is also limited, due to unusually small rear side windows.

Exterior
Like most of the current crop of crossovers, the Rogue rejects the traditional boxy SUV look in favor if a sleek, swept back profile. However, there are also some aggressive touches, including a unique checkered flag front grill and well defined wheel well arches. Given that Nissan has been marketing the Rogue more towards young, hip urbanites than suburban soccer moms, this more muscular look should work well to attract buyers who still desire a more rugged looking SUV. Our Phantom White Rogue SL also included 17” Alloy wheels and a factory roof rack, both of which add a nice extra touch of boldness.

Value / Who Should Buy It
Although not quite an out of the park home run, the Rogue nonetheless represents a solid effort from Nissan, and should attract more than a few buyers away from such favorites as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. With an MSRP of $23,425, our 2WD Rogue SL is an excellent value, especially given its top-notch road manners. Although fuel economy was a disappointing 22 MPG, much of that is likely due to excessive use of the manual paddle shifters in wringing every last RPM out of the willing engine. More sane driving habits should result in MPG figures in the mid to high 20’s. For those in the market for a small SUV who value the driving experience and don’t mind standing out from the crowd, the Rogue could be the perfect sidekick.

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>> www.nissanusa.com - official website for Nissan cars and SUVs