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2015 Nissan Rogue SL AWD Review By John Heilig


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2015 Nissan Rogue



THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Mid-Atlantic Bureau
The Auto Channel

2015 Nissan Rogue Review
Model: Nissan Rogue SL AWD
Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC I-4
Horsepower/Torque: 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm/175 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: CVT
Wheelbase: 106.5 in.
Length x Width x Height: 182.3 x 72.4 x 67.5 in.
Tires: P225/65R17
Cargo: 32.0/70.0 cu. ft. (behind 2nd row/ behind 1st row)
Economy: 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26.1 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gal.
Curb Weight: 3,605 lbs.
Sticker: $32,480 (includes $860 destination. $1,990 options for SL Premium Package))

The Bottom Line: The Nissan Rogue is smooth riding, capable and comfortable with decent power.  

         I have felt for many years that Nissan’s styling department is doing a good job overall. There are times when other mainstream manufacturers stretch the envelope, but Nissan is consistently among the best.

          The Rogue’s redesign is no exception. The crossover has nice lines, but there is also a bit of the Nissan Juke in it, especially in the front fender character lines.  

         But a CUV is more than just character lines. To me, cargo capacity is chief, and the Rogue is no slouch. There are 32 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 70 cubic feet if you drop the second row seats. You can get three rows of seating in the Rogue, but those rear seat passengers would be cramped. I’d opt for more cargo capacity myself.      

     Also, below the cargo floor is additional storage, plus the Nissan Divide and Hide cargo system that is ideal for smaller packages or stuff you don’t want rolling around the floor. There are also four tie downs in the cargo area should you need them. Beneath this is the temporary spare tire.        

   I thought the Rogue had decent power at 170 horsepower. We took it on a couple of longish trips where I had to use cruise control just to save my wallet. Primarily though, we used the Rogue in normal local driving where it shone because of its decent fuel economy and good handling.      

     On the road, the Rogue has blind spot monitoring with the warning lights located at the base of the A-pillars. In addition, our tester had lane departure warning, forward collision warning that I felt was too testy, but better that than too lax, and moving object detection that tells you if there is anything coming at you from the side, be it vehicle or pedestrian.    

       There is a clear instrument panel with two large dials for tachometer and speedometer and an information panel in between containing the usual assortment of choices. Similarly, the audio system had a full menu with good sound. I liked that the cruise control set speed was noted at the top of the information panel. Also, Nissan has one of my favorite cruise controls, with steering wheel-mounted switches.      

     Maneuvering the Rogue in tight places is almost fun. First, the vehicle has compact dimensions, which make parking less of a chore. Second, with a rear-view camera and Nissan’s Around View Monitor, you can position the Rogue exactly where you want it. First, when you’re backing up you know exactly where the rear bumper is. Second, thanks to cameras under the outside rearview mirrors and the Nissan badge on the grille, you get a virtual top-down view of there the car is. So you can put it exactly between the white lines and stop your wife from yelling at you because you’re not in the middle of the space. (Only joking dear). If you’re pulling into a space in a forward gear, just pop the shifter into reverse to know where you are.       

    For additional carrying capacity, there is a good glove box and a flat tray at the base of the center stack that works for cell phones. There’s a small cubby between the cup holders and the arm rest/console that would be great for a phone if you could figure out a way to keep it from rattling around.       

    What might not seem important to some, the door pulls are well-designed. There are four assist handles to make entry and egress easier.     

      Front seats are comfortable. They feel as if they offer more side support than they really do. It’s the benefit of Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seating. The flat and firm sliding rear seats offer very good leg room.   

        In a crowded CUV field full of essentially similar vehicles, style might be the deciding factor in a buyer’s decision. If so, the Nissan Rogue has a leg up.

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