2009 Nissan Rogue
by Jim Prueter -06/2009

Nissan Rogue scores on value

(This 2008 review has been updated to include the 2009 model year.)

With the introduction of the Rogue for the 2009 model year, Nissan finally entered the competitive compact crossover segment. Since CUVs have been racking up booming sales for years now, one has to wonder why they took so long to get in the game.

Built on the underpinnings of the Sentra, Rogue is offered in front or all-wheel drive as a base S or SL trim. There’s only one engine, a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower 4-cylinder, and one transmission, a continuously variable automatic. It’s the type of transmission that operates through a series of belts and pulleys instead of gears. It sounds like one long continuous transition, rather like a slipping clutch in a manual-shift equipped vehicle.

Segment leaders like Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 both offer a V-6; the Honda CR-V sticks to a four-cyliinder. 

Rogue doesn’t have push-you-back-in-your-seat kind of power but I didn’t feel unsafe merging onto the interstate. Given that gasoline moved past $3.18 per gallon during my test drive, I appreciated the 25 mile per gallon average of the base S. Yet, I would have also appreciated a bit more power, especially after stops. I found the engine particularly loud and buzzy under full acceleration. 

The exterior styling is much less boxy than most of its competition, with an overall look that shouts “mini Murano.”  That isn’t a bad thing, but it still blends into the sea of “jelly-bean” shaped vehicles on the market. One negative, however, is the poor visibility resulting from Rogue’s high beltline and small windows.

While taking the Rogue through its paces around Phoenix, I generally found it to be capable with some body roll through turns and curves. I couldn’t help but think how much better this vehicle would ride and perform on premium tires rather than its standard fare cheapos. Front-drive and all-wheel drive models come equipped with 16-inch and 17-inch wheels respectively.

The electric power-assist felt too light and vague. Even with the all-wheel drive option, off-roading is better suited to sibling, Xterra.  Rogue will handle snowy roads with its AWD, but the vehicle isn’t substantial enough for serious four-wheeling.

Inside, I found the Rogue to be exceptionally roomy even for this too-tall driver.  At 182.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, Rogue is larger than both RAV4 and CR-V. Initially, the rear cargo area is only 28.9 cubic feet, but it expands to almost 58 cubic feet when the rear seats are down. New for 2009 is a fold-down passenger seat to allow transport of longer objects. The Rogue does not offer a third-row seat.

I thought the look of the interior was exceptionally attractive and ranked it just behind the Saturn Vue and CR-V in appearance.  Gauges are orange-lit, large and easy to read.  My tester was equipped with the standard cloth seats, comfortable but a bit narrow. There’s a large center console, with a new dual-level tray and an even larger glove box. Mood lighting on the SL adds to the interior ambiance.

There are hooks to hang grocery bags on the back of the passenger seat and in the rear cargo area. Makes good sense. I liked the little partition that pops up from under the rear floor to keep groceries from sliding around. This hidden compartment has three dividers, which can be removed and washed.

Standard safety features include electronic stability control, antilock brakes, front and front side torso airbags, side curtain airbags for both front and second row seats, antilock brakes, and traction control.

The front-wheel drive S has a base price of $20,220.  Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tilt steering column, power windows, power door locks and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. Six exterior colors are available on the S model.

The SL has a base price of $21,810 and adds 17” aluminum-alloy wheels, roof rails, power outside mirrors, rear privacy glass and polished exhaust tips.  Eight exterior color choices are offered on the SL. All-wheel drive is an extra $1320 for both models.

For 2009, we drove a fully equipped SL with optional all-wheel drive. It included the Premium Package ($2230) with an excellent upgraded Bose audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, xenon headlights, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, tow hitch and fog lights. We found little use for the paddle shifters, but those who want to feel more in control of their drive experience may appreciate the option.

Overall, Rogue is a formidable entry into the fast growing crossover segment.  Its appearance doesn’t break any new ground, but neither is it polarizing.  It’s well behaved on the road, roomy enough for five, comfortable, easy to drive and generally sips rather than gulps gas. Nissan has value priced Rogue and even a fully equipped SL with all-wheel drive will be just a tick above $27,000.