Unveiling the Power and Performance: A Comprehensive Nissan Rogue Review

Ratings of SUVs are updated quarterly. However, none of them are without Japanese vehicles. And this is quite logical, because the Land of the Rising Sun offers cars where reliability, design and performance are always in absolute harmony.

The selection of crossover SUVs from Japan is sufficient for buying and for lease, but there are particularly good models that have attracted a lot of attention over the past few years, and Nissan Rogue has become one. It is this rascal who has been stealing the show among SUVs lately, and this phenomenon cannot but be of interest. So, what makes Rogues so popular? All details are in our review.

A Few Words About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd is one of the largest Japanese manufacturers and the ninth largest car manufacturer in the world. Since 1999, Nissan has been a member of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance (with Mitsubishi joining in 2016).

Nissan’s history begins with the opening of the Kwaishinsha Co., an automobile factory founded in 1911 by Japanese automotive pioneer Masuhiro Hashimoto (Masujiro Hashimoto) in Tokyo. Small cars called Dat were its first product, and they became known as Datsun a bit later. Another company, Jitsuyo Jidosha Co. Ltd., was founded in 1919 in Osaka. It produced the Gorham three-wheeler, designed by William R. Gorham. In 1926, Kwaishinsha Co. and Jitsuyo Jidosha Co. merged to form Dat Jidosha Seizo Co., which became a division of Tobata Casting in 1931.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. was officially established on December 26, 1933, when the production of Datsun cars authored by Kwaishinsha Co., was transferred to Jitsuyo Jidosha Co. Ltd. On June 1, 1934, the company’s name was changed to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and the first Datsun cars were exported to Asia, as well as to Central and South America.

In the 1930s, the Datsun Nissan line-up was expanded to include new underpowered cars, trucks, buses, and vans. Although production was halted during the Second World War, the company quickly returned to its former level after its head office returned to Yokohama in 1946.

In 1958, Nissan Motor Co. began exporting cars to the United States. In September, two Datsun 210 models participated in the Australian Mobil Gas Trial Rally, one of the most challenging rallies in the world, and won the championship in their class.

Nissan was the first car manufacturer in Japan to win the 10th “Japan Prize” in 1960 for excellence in the field of industrial engineering. Throughout this period, Nissan persistently built a strong organization as the foundation for rapid and successful growth in the future.

The two energy crises of the 1970s marked the beginning of an increase in exports of small Japanese cars, known for their excellent fuel economy and superior quality. In the fuel economy tests conducted by the American Environmental Protection Agency in 1973, Datsun Sunny held the palm, thereby gaining big popularity in the US during the advertising campaign “Datsun saves”.

Since then, Nissan has been steadily increasing its production and retains its reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of reliable and modern vehicles. For many years, Nissan has gained a high reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality cars and a pioneer in the creation of various kinds of cutting-edge technologies. To improve fuel economy, Nissan has developed various types of materials to reduce vehicle weight, such as high elastic sheet steel for body panels, and advanced engine control systems to control combustion. Besides, Nissan has also pioneered the development and use of CAD/CAM systems (computer and industrial robot vehicle design systems).

Today, Nissan Motor Co. is an excellent example of a fast-growing company that builds its success on the principles of strong positioning and strategies that are expressed in the company’s global mission; to produce unique and innovative cars and services, and convey its key values to buyers, employees, dealers and suppliers.

The impressive model range is one of Nissan’s benefits. With its strong presence across the United States, it offers SUVs and crossovers that win the most prestigious prizes. Among them is Nissan Rogue, which received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s highest side-impact safety rating (five stars) in 2010 and holds the first safety ranking in the IIHS for the past seven years.

About Nissan Rogue

Rogue is a SUV, which has a history since 2007. Many are interested in Nissan Japanese today, and this vehicle is quite an example, as it is manufactured atthe Nissan Motor Kyushu plant in Fukuoka, Japan and at the Nissan Smyrna assembly plant in Tennessee, United States.

The key milestones for this top selling car in the US the following:

• October 2007 – Rogue debut in the North American market. Three configurations are available with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions – S, SL, and SV.
• August 2010 – the first update. The car got a redesigned exterior, redesigned center dash, new low rolling resistance tires, and many other good features.
• 2012 – the second update. Rogue is available on aluminum-alloy wheels and with modified CVT. New body color (Graphite Blue) is also added.
• 2013 – second-generation Rogue sees the light. Representing a version of the Nissan X-Trail, adapted for the Hi-Cross Concept, the car features standard four-wheel independent suspension, the optional third row 7 passenger seating, electric power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system. Manufacturing is ongoing at Smyrna, Tennessee.
• 2016 – Rogue becomes Nissan’s top-selling model, with a total of 329,904 cars sold across the USA.
• 2017 – a second generation facelift. Headlights and tail lights are restyled, and LED daytime running lights become standard on all trim levels.
• 2018 – The third-row option is given up to optimize both interior passenger room and cargo utility space.
• June 2020 – The third-generation Rogues are introduced in North America. The new features include an up-to-date platform, distinctive exterior, and powertrain update.
• October 2023 – A refresh for front and rear fascias of Rouges 2023 came along, and 12.3-inch touchscreen for SL and Platinum trim levels is offered.

Nissan Rogue Today

Comfort and reliability remain the key advantages of Rogue 2024, although attractive exterior, lively road behavior, and fuel efficiency cannot fail to please either. The car remains double-row, which provides a good amount of space for drivers, passengers, and cargo.

Exterior

Rogue looks rather impressive and a bit masculine, with its squared-off front end and two-tone exterior color combinations. Its distinctive LED lighting signatures and sharp stern lines give it a bold look and allow you to remember where the name of the SUV originated from. As you remember, Rogue means “bad guy” or “out of control”, which underlines the independent and somewhat brutal nature of the SUV.

Interior and Comfort

Rogue shares interior solutions with Altima and Sentra, two popular Nissan sedans. The surprisingly comfortable fabric or leather upholstered seats (depending on the configuration), the eye-catching two-color interior trim, thoughtful storage compartments and the square gear shift handle ensure current color and recognizability. Drivers can also enjoy three-zone climate control and heating for front seats and steering wheel, among other options.

Infotainment system can be equipped with an 8-inch or 12.3-inch screen, the latter is available for SL and Platinum trim levels. Smart interface, Google-based software, and wireless smartphone charging pad add fun to the ride.

The abandonment of the third row of seats has clearly benefited the cargo area. Now, Rogue offers 895 liters of usable cargo space and 2098 liters with folded seats, which is almost in line with the volumes proposed by Honda CR-V.

Engine and Performance

Rogues offers 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engines with 201 horsepower combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The SUV is still available with front and four-wheel drive.

The current powertrain boosts the crossover to 60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds, and its good road behavior and excellent handling have earned the love of millions. A great solution for both roaming the city streets and off-road travel!

Safety

As mentioned above, Rogue has almost no equal in either passive or active safety, as confirmed by numerous tests. The 2024 version offers new options, including standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Nissan Rogue – Trim Levels and Editions

Since Rogues gained overwhelming popularity in the US, they have been considered a good solution for lease deals thanks to the optimal value for money ratio. Today, the following Rogue configurations are in demand.

S

This is the base trim level offering all the main benefits of Rogue. Its MSRP at $27.760 is rather good while taking it for lease at $408 per month gives much freedom as well.

SV

The more advanced SUV can boast enhanced features as well. Adaptive cruise control, heated mirrors, driver illuminated vanity mirror, remote engine start, and lane keep assist become standard here along with some other features. Optionally, you may add remote trunk release, heating steering wheel, and panoramic roof. It is also available for lease at $335 at GP Motors, and the offer is tempting, considering the MSRP at $32.170!

Rogue Sport

In fact, it is not the Rogue we got used to seeing. It is a global version of Nissan Qashqai that was imported from Kyushu to replace Rogue Select in 2017. Sport has a distinct, Qashqai-like exterior, different powertrain, and it is not so big. However, it costs $24.760, and MSRP makes it more affordable both for lease and for purchase.

To Sum Up

The Nissan Rogue is an excellent crossover SUV that provides large interior space, excellent equipment, good handling, and the highest level of safety. The choice for this vehicle is justified, no matter if you have a large family or you are a loner who values comfort and reliability at a reasonable price.