When the conversation turns to fuel-economy measures, Nissan points to its Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). We aren’t crazy about the CVT in this new vehicle, or in any other for that matter, nor have we been convinced yet of its claim to dramatically improve gas mileage, but the wide spread of gear ratios and the smooth power delivery do seem to be a better idea than the four- or five-speed conventional automatics of the competition. A downside of the CVT is the inevitable engine drone that occurs under most acceleration rates. In many CVT-equipped vehicles, the monotone engine note is obnoxious to the point of inferring mechanical cheapness. Fortunately, the Rogue keeps the noise to a murmur (a luxury-carlike 74 decibels at full throttle), which should stave off CVT buyer’s remorse.
Highway cruising is where the Rogue and its transmission work best. Secure on-center steering feel, a firm but compliant ride, and a quiet cabin combine to effortlessly count down highway miles. At 70 mph the Rogue is turning a fuel-efficient and hushed 2200 rpm. Were this car equipped with a conventional automatic, such tall gearing would likely result in the annoying habit of constantly downshifting (or upshifting) between the two top gears. In the Rogue, the CVT seamlessly raises engine revs as the transmission moves imperceptibly through its ratios. Highway passing is a smooth experience. Still, if you’re old-fashioned and must have a conventional shifting sense, the Rogue offers six preset ratios that mimic the gears of a conventional transmission.
At the track, the CVT makes the most of the Rogue’s power-to-weight ratio and delivers a 0-to-60 time of 8.8 seconds. As noted earlier, we haven’t tested any of the Rogue’s four-cylinder peers, but we expect this SUV’s acceleration to be class competitive. Keeping wheelspin in check at takeoff is Nissan’s clutch-based all-wheel drive, set to send 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels at launch; then, once rolling, the power split shifts to the front wheels until slip is detected. Stability and traction control are standard if you find yourself exceeding the Rogue’s nearly carlike 0.77 g of skidpad grip. Keep pushing, and you’ll find that the Rogue comes standard with side airbags for the front seats and curtain airbags all around.
Our leather-lined, Bose-stereo-equipped Rogue with all-wheel drive came in at an estimated $27,000. Base versions are expected to start at roughly $20,000.
On its first try, Nissan has produced a good-looking and spirited small SUV. It doesn’t have a third row or optional V-6 power, but there are plenty of small-SUV buyers who desire neither feature. The Rogue has the rest of the small-sport-ute checklist covered. Perhaps the name is a tad theatrical, but calling it the Nissan Competent just didn’t have the ring to it the company was looking for.
Highway cruising is where the Rogue and its transmission work best. Secure on-center steering feel, a firm but compliant ride, and a quiet cabin combine to effortlessly count down highway miles. At 70 mph the Rogue is turning a fuel-efficient and hushed 2200 rpm. Were this car equipped with a conventional automatic, such tall gearing would likely result in the annoying habit of constantly downshifting (or upshifting) between the two top gears. In the Rogue, the CVT seamlessly raises engine revs as the transmission moves imperceptibly through its ratios. Highway passing is a smooth experience. Still, if you’re old-fashioned and must have a conventional shifting sense, the Rogue offers six preset ratios that mimic the gears of a conventional transmission.
At the track, the CVT makes the most of the Rogue’s power-to-weight ratio and delivers a 0-to-60 time of 8.8 seconds. As noted earlier, we haven’t tested any of the Rogue’s four-cylinder peers, but we expect this SUV’s acceleration to be class competitive. Keeping wheelspin in check at takeoff is Nissan’s clutch-based all-wheel drive, set to send 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels at launch; then, once rolling, the power split shifts to the front wheels until slip is detected. Stability and traction control are standard if you find yourself exceeding the Rogue’s nearly carlike 0.77 g of skidpad grip. Keep pushing, and you’ll find that the Rogue comes standard with side airbags for the front seats and curtain airbags all around.
Our leather-lined, Bose-stereo-equipped Rogue with all-wheel drive came in at an estimated $27,000. Base versions are expected to start at roughly $20,000.
On its first try, Nissan has produced a good-looking and spirited small SUV. It doesn’t have a third row or optional V-6 power, but there are plenty of small-SUV buyers who desire neither feature. The Rogue has the rest of the small-sport-ute checklist covered. Perhaps the name is a tad theatrical, but calling it the Nissan Competent just didn’t have the ring to it the company was looking for.