AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9/10
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Safety8/10
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PRACTICALITY8/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS9/10
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FEATURES8/10
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POWER8/10
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COMFORT8/10
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DRIVING FEEL8/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8/10
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VALUE8/10
Of all Nissan’s vehicles, its bestselling model is the Rogue compact crossover, which gets treated to an update.
In addition to a new grille and revised lighting, the 2024 Nissan Rogue is also the first model in the lineup to use a Google-based infotainment interface. This revised model comes in five trim levels, starting with the S at $35,678, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,030. It moves through the SV, SV Premium, SL and then to my Platinum tester at $47,228. Mine was topped with two-tone black-roof paint for $795 – the only colours included in the price are white or black on the S, and black on everything else, with other colours starting at $250 – bringing my Platinum to $48,023 before taxes.
Styling: 9/10
The Rogue’s looks aren’t groundbreaking, but it’s a handsome vehicle that looks functional. It starts out with 17-inch wheels, but they grow to 19-inch on the SL and Platinum trims, both of which also get a power-sliding panoramic sunroof.
Inside, lower trims get an eight-inch centre touchscreen, while upper ones use a 12.3-inch display that sits tablet-style atop the dash, with the climate controls in below. That screen is anchored at the bottom by a swath of glossy black plastic, which unfortunately can create blinding glare for the driver if the sun hits it through the windows.
Safety: 8/10
The Rogue gets the highest five-star crash-test rating from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it gets the top “Good” rating in the original front crash tests, as well as the updated side crash which better simulates being struck by a large SUV, and “Good+” for ease of use for its child seat tether anchors. However, at the time of writing, it hadn’t yet been rated in the updated front crash, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as those in front.
All trims come standard with emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. Upper trims get surround-view cameras, traffic sign recognition, and Pro Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centring to help with highway driving. A hands-free version is available on some vehicles in the U.S., and the system will gradually roll out on Canadian models, starting with Nissan’s premium Infiniti brand.
Features: 8/10
The S trim is entry-level, offering heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and remote starter; you have to move up to the SL to get a power tailgate, power driver’s seat, rear USB ports, and push-button start. Upper trims add a hands-free tailgate, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, an upgraded stereo, wireless charger, and head-up display. The eight-inch centre screen requires a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while they’re wireless on the larger screen.
User Friendliness: 9/10
The Rogue is big on easy-to-use, with dials for the cabin temperature, stereo volume, and drive modes. Buttons handle the fan speed, as well as the cabin temperature for the rear-seat passengers, which can be handled by those in front if those in the back aren’t old enough to be doing it themselves.
The Google Built-In infotainment system includes a digital assistant that can handle many functions, and the centre touchscreen has simple icons for moving between the menus. There are also buttons below the screen for functions such as switching between songs, but they’re in that gloss plastic panel mentioned above for its glare.
Practicality: 8/10
The two upper trims have a two-piece movable cargo floor, and when those panels are in their lowest positions, the space is rated for 1,033 L of cargo capacity. That’s actually near the bottom of the pack, where the Honda CR-V has 1,113 L and the Kia Sportage has as much as 1,121 L when its moveable floor is lowered. But it’s a clever and useful feature, where you can put the panels in their upper position to hide items below it, or best of all, position one of them upright in the clips located halfway on the cargo floor. That makes a “fence” that prevents groceries or cargo from sliding back and spilling, or just being harder to reach.
Comfort: 8/10
The Rogue’s rear doors open almost 90 degrees, making it easy to get inside. Front-seat legroom is at the upper end for the segment, although it’s not as generous as some rivals in the rear. Headroom is good among its rivals as well.
All but the base S trim have a power driver’s seat, and heated front seats. The SL and Platinum add a power passenger seat and heated rear chairs, along with leather upholstery that’s quilted on the Platinum. The seats are comfortable and supportive, including on a longer drive. The ride is firm, but not so much that it’s a major issue.
Power: 8/10
The Rogue uses a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine that makes 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than some of its rivals make with four cylinders. Nissan calls it a variable compression (VC) turbo engine, and it’s a complex little unit. The engine’s compression ratio – in absolute simplest terms, how much the piston squeezes the air-fuel mixture before it ignites – is usually fixed. Going with that limitation, engineers design an engine with a ratio more towards power or fuel efficiency, depending on the vehicle.
This VC engine has a little motor and linkages attached. These vary how far the pistons can move in their cylinders, which in turn varies the ratio depending on driving conditions. It gives the Rogue good performance and with lower rated fuel consumption than many rivals, but it’s also very complex. NHTSA has been looking into issues with previous model years but reports are that Nissan has made changes to the main bearings that may have been the problem, and keeping firmly to the scheduled maintenance is definitely recommended.
Driving Feel: 8/10
That little engine is mated to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT), and while you can tell it’s not a conventional unit with gears, it does a good job and never feels rubbery or out-of-sync with the engine. The steering is pleasantly light for easy manoeuvring, and the Rogue feels confident and well-planted on the highway. It’s not an exciting vehicle to drive, but it handles the daily commute as expected.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates most Rogue trims at 8.4 L/100 km in the city, 6.7 on the highway, and 7.6 in combined driving. The Platinum comes in a titch higher at 7.7 L/100 km. In my week with it, I averaged 8.2 L/100 km.
That rated combined number bests many of its all-wheel-drive (AWD) competitors, where the Ford Escape is 8.4 to 9.1, depending on the engine; 8.4 for the Honda CR-V; 8.5 for the Toyota RAV4; and 9.5 for the Kia Sportage.
Value: 8/10
The Nissan Rogue runs from $35,678 to $47,228, all trims with standard AWD. That puts it around the midway point with competitors, in their AWD trims if it isn’t standard in all. The Kia Sportage starts at $34,295 and the Toyota RAV4 at $35,080; while the Volkswagen Tiguan begins at $36,995; the Ford Escape at $37,844; and the Honda CR-V at $40,525 (all prices including delivery).
The Verdict
The complexity of that little engine may be a sticking point for some; but on its performance and practicality, the 2024 Nissan Rogue gets the job done. It’s a very competitive segment with some very good offerings, and this Nissan should be given a test-drive when you’re shopping its competitors.
| Engine Displacement | 1.5L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | I3 |
| Peak Horsepower | 201 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 225 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 8.4/6.8/7.7 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 1,033 / 2,098 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2024 Nissan Rogue Platinum |
| Base Price | $45,198 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,030 |
| Price as Tested | $48,123 |
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Optional Equipment
$795 – Two-tone paint, $795
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