COUNTERPOINT
DAVE VANDERWERP
It’s hard to argue with Nissan’s launching an entry into this bestselling SUV segment, and the spacious Rogue drives as well as its top two or three competitors. But I have a question: How have we arrived at a place where Nissan employs a ratioless CVT for efficiency but then electronically fakes ratios that are controlled by paddle shifters? Not only does this exactly contradict the CVT’s reason for being but also seems terrifically contrived on an SUV.
MARK GILLIES
The Rogue is going to do well for Nissan. The small-SUV segment is hot at the moment, and this vehicle ticks all the right boxes. It will probably steal some sales from the Murano but will still increase Nissan’s overall volumes. However, I’m down on small SUVs because no matter how well they handle or how dramatically they are styled, they still look and drive like tall wagons. Everyone tells you Americans don’t buy wagons anymore, but that’s not true. They just buy the inferior, taller variety.
DAVE VANDERWERP
It’s hard to argue with Nissan’s launching an entry into this bestselling SUV segment, and the spacious Rogue drives as well as its top two or three competitors. But I have a question: How have we arrived at a place where Nissan employs a ratioless CVT for efficiency but then electronically fakes ratios that are controlled by paddle shifters? Not only does this exactly contradict the CVT’s reason for being but also seems terrifically contrived on an SUV.
MARK GILLIES
The Rogue is going to do well for Nissan. The small-SUV segment is hot at the moment, and this vehicle ticks all the right boxes. It will probably steal some sales from the Murano but will still increase Nissan’s overall volumes. However, I’m down on small SUVs because no matter how well they handle or how dramatically they are styled, they still look and drive like tall wagons. Everyone tells you Americans don’t buy wagons anymore, but that’s not true. They just buy the inferior, taller variety.