2008 Nissan Rogue Review

Specifications

Gone are the stereotypical images of box-like utility crossoversof designs past. The target market for entry-level crossover vehicles is the young urban professional, shuffling from gym bags and sports gear to strollers and baby seats. Consumers in this segment seek the practicality of an SUV without sacrificing the cool factor in design or handling capabilities of a car. Take the Nissan Rogue for example, a 2008 model year entry crossover. Before viewing any pictures of the vehicle, I was intrigued by the name so I decided to look up the dictionary definition of “Rogue”, which means: no longer obedient, belonging, or accepted and hence not controllable or answerable; deviating, renegade. As Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager commented at the Detroit Auto Show, “The Rogue name was chosen to reflect its independence-oriented positioning, though we certainly believe that all buyers, regardless of age or life stage, will positively respond to Rogue’s fun-to-drive, all climate performance and aggressive styling”. I’m not sure how far the Rogue goes in accomplishing Nissan’s intent, as it tries to squeeze in this already crowded segment. Established namesakes such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, and so on … havesecured loyal followings. But only time will tell, so let’s take a closer look at the 2008 Rogue.

At first glance, how does the Rogue deviate in the looks department? For an entry-level crossover, quite frankly it looks athletic and stylish. The Rogue is almost the spitting image of its older and bigger sibling, the upscale Murano. Built on the new “C” platform that shares its lineage with the current Sentra, the Rogue measures 182.9 inches long with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, 70.9 inches wide, and 65.3 inches high. This translates into more legroom for both front and rear seat passengers.

Power is supplied by the competent QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also found in the Sentra SE-R, Nissan Altima 2.5 S, and Frontier King Cab XE. For the Rogue, special tuning reportedly provides plenty of torque in the low to mid range for good get-up and go, whilespoiling the owner with the gas saving benefits of a four banger. Channeling the power to either the front-wheel or optional advanced all-wheel drive systems (available in both S and SL models), the Rogue won’t lose its composure with the inclusive Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) plus Traction Control System (CTS). To get up to cruising speeds, the compact Nissan comes equipped with a standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which provides an infinite number of gear ratios in order to optimize engine speed for peak power and maximum fuel efficiency. Available paddle shifters offer the driver more control and that all-important fun factor. The base Rogue wears 16-inch wheels on 215/70 series tires, while 17-inch 225/60 series tires are optional. Both support the 4-wheel independent suspension. The front struts with coil springs and stabilizer bar offer handling characteristics that should be competitive with other SUVs in its segment, while rear multi-link shock and rebound springs should benefit stability while delivering more cargo space.

From the front, design cues such as the Nissan badge at center surrounded by an egg crate grille are well recognized trademarks.The headlight design, with available xenon “bulbs”, is reminiscent of the current Maxima. The CUVs side profile showcases the athletic curves of the hood, the edge-creased wheel arches, bulging side panels, and muscular D-pillar leading to the rear bumper. The rear taillight treatment is also Maxima-like. In fact the Rogue may not be quite as “distinctive” as its name implies. A quick glance at the rear quarter profile shows that it’s somewhat similar to Honda’s new CR-V, and yet that’s where I think keeping up with the Joneses has overtaken common sense. Though it looks sleek from the outside, my experience with the third generation CR-V’s side rear trapezoidal window and thick D-pillar is that it creates a blind spot that can be problematic during lane changes or even when reverse parking. The Rogue, I believe, also shares the same design dilemma, so be on the lookout when test driving this crossover.

Many consumers in this tight target market are experiencing a crossing over with their personal lives, like starting a family. To offer peace of mind, the Rogue offers plenty of standard safety amenities such asZone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, standard Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags, standard front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear passengers. The front seat occupants enjoy added head protection with Active Head Restraints that minimizes whiplash.

The interior is well designed with a driver-centric cockpit. Hints of metallic finishes complement the sleek black monotone dashboard and console. The center console is well laid out without excess controls and buttons. The steering wheel houses the paddle shifters and buttons to control music volume, cruise control, and handsfree phone system. Two-tone cloth seats (available heated) help sustain the sporty yet practical image of the vehicle.

The driver and occupants are spoiled with a rich list of optional bells and whistlestoo, including Nissan’s Intelligent Key proximity sensing keyless entry and push-button start, as well as a Bose developed audio system with 7 speakers and subwoofer with MP3 capability, AUX input for an iPod, plus satellite radio. Also available is Bluetooth handsfree connectivity and a HomeLink universal garage door opener built into the visor. Another cool feature often offered in higher end vehicles, but available in the Rogue, is a multi-display trip computer that informs the driver of distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time, and outside temperature.

Interior function matches fashion with a multitude of storage options and configurations such as a standard rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat and front passenger seat that folds down flat, allowing storage of items that measure up to 8.5 feet long, such as a Christmas tree or a step ladder. The Rogue’s cargo area also has a practical organizer that pops up with a touch of a button, at which point half of the cargo floor positions vertically to allow a built-in recessed space. Combined with available cargo nets this will definitely keep all your gear in place. Also included is a washable cargo tray and tonneau cover. Passengers are treated with ample storage via center console storage with hidden levels and an oversized glove box with a partition.

Having graduated from driving a two-door sports coupe to my current four-door family sports car, I now even catch myself warming up my taste buds for something in the crossover segment. The Rogue design offers an aesthetic that should appeal equally to both men and women, so I would definitely be test driving this vehicle when it hits the showrooms. Rumored to price at around $20,000, the well equipped Rogue, when compared to the base Honda CR-V, is bigger and has more power, yet will sticker below it. With this formula, Nissan’s new Rogue might just stand out in the crowded compact crossover market.