2018 Nissan Rogue SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Nissan Rogue SUV crossover is powered by 2.5 liter inline-four engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb. ft. of torque. It is connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and power is delivered through a front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive system. For this review, the SL trim with the all-wheel-drive option was tested. The engine, despite having enough torque at the low-end, felt underpowered higher in the rev range. There is a slight delay of acceleration after the throttle is opened up that is present in the Rogue's CVT. This was shown by the acceleration test, recording 9.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. For a compact SUV, this falls behind in power compared to other crossovers. The same can be said for the handling of the 2018 model. While stable and sufficient for everyday use, the lack of sportiness did not reward a more spirited driving scenario. The heavy steering may have also contributed to this, given the extra effort to turn the wheel yet it just did not feel responsive. The brakes were strong enough, but stepping on the pedal further is needed to feel its effect. From 60 mph to a full stop, the Rogue achieved a braking distance of 124 feet which is average in its class.

Technology

The 2018 model in S trim comes standard with NissanConnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a four-speaker sound system. There are no additional options for the baseline S model. The SV trim upgrades to a six-speaker sound system and adds heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a motion-sensing power liftgate. The Premium package adds navigation, voice recognition system, and a heated steering wheel. The Sun and Sound package upgrades to a nine-speaker Bose sound system and adds a moonroof to the Premium option. The SL trim includes a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, nine-speaker Bose sound system, HD radio, and navigation. The Premium package adds a moonroof and LED headlights and the Platinum package adds an electronic parking brake and the ProPILOT Assist system. The SL packages are progressive and their features stack up once you go up in the package options.

Safety

The 2018 Nissan Rogue as tested by the NHTSA received a 4-star rating in Frontal Crash, a 5-star rating in Side Crash, and a 4-star rating in Rollover, for an overall 4-star safety rating. This may sound very respectable, but among the compact SUV class its competitors easily surpass that. The IIHS rates the 2018 model a -Good- in crashworthiness and -Superior- in front crash prevention technologies. Its headlights, however, were only rated -Acceptable-, but overall it achieves a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Safety systems that come standard include a rear view camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. The ProPILOT Assist is new for 2018 and additional safety features include a 360-degree camera, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. These however, are only available in the SL trim of the 2018 model.

Appearance

The 2018 model measures 184.5 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, 68.5 inches (AWD)/68 inches (FWD) tall and the wheelbase is 106.5 inches. It is one of the larger vehicles in the compact SUV segment and that translated to a roomier experience inside the cabin. It is visually identical to the 2017 model, with the big center grill and for the SL trim, there are fog lamps below the headlights. The SL trim also has the bigger 18 inch wheels, while the S and SV trim has 17 inch wheels.

Comfort

The SL trim can seat up to 5 people, while the S and SV have an additional third row of seats that can add 2 more people. Only the SL trim features leather upholstery and the front row seats are heated while the passenger seats are ventilated. In the compact SUV class, the Rogue's seats are easily one of the most comfortable and the leather quality in the SL trim is premium. Couple that with the polished and uninterrupted ride quality, the Rogue is enjoyable on longer drives. The passenger seats can also slide forward and back with 9 inches of adjustment. With wide entryways and adjustable seats, the room for passengers and/or cargo is spacious and did not feel tight.

Cargo

The 2018 Rogue has a cargo capacity of 39.3 cu. ft. when the rear seats are upright and expands to 70 cu. ft. when they are folded down. The Divide-and-Hide system for the cargo features two panels that allow customization of compartments depending on the cargo being loaded.