First Drives: 2017 Nissan Rogue & Rogue Hybrid

Highlights:

The compact Rogue is Nissan’s number one selling vehicle. The Rogue and Rogue Hybrid are available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

What’s New:

For the 2017 model year, Nissan continues to stimulate their hot-selling two-row and three-row, compact crossover, with an all-new grille and headlight treatment to mirror the stylish and upscale looking Murano.

The last major update for the Rogue was in 2014. In addition to a new fuel-efficient hybrid model joining the line up for the 2017 model year, the crossover is enhanced by offering a few new safety features, too. Some of those features include a forward collision braking system with pedestrian detection and a radar activated cruise control system.

Interior Differences:

The Rogue stands out from the competition in many areas. One of the key differences is the segment exclusive flex seating system. This innovative system is great for carrying additional cargo. With the exception of the driver’s seat, every seat folds flat.

The compact Rogue also offers a segment exclusive cargo system for the two-row gasoline models. This innovative system provides up to 18 adjustable variations to hide-and-divide ones cargo. Unfortunately, with the third-row gasoline model and the hybrid model, limited spacing inhibits the vehicles from being equipped with the system. In fact, the second row loses its ability to recline in both models. So, if this is a requirement, consumers should stick with the third-row model only.

Ride & Handling:

Just like with the Altima and the Maxima, Nissan’s signature zero gravity front bucket seats provide the appropriate comfort for occupants, making the vehicle great for short or longer drives.

Ironically, while the second generation Rogue is classified as a compact, we found the interior to be quite accommodating. Depending upon the trim, the vehicle is available with cloth or leather. And, while this is the only vehicle in the segment to offer a third-row, Nissan did not have one available for our review during the 2017 media preview drive. We must note that the larger Nissan Armada, with the third row, is only designed for small occupants. Although we did not have access to a third-row Rogue, we could only imagine this being the case for the compact.

Furthermore, depending on the trim, the Rogue can be outfitted with 17, 18 or 19-inch wheels, which obviously alter the ride and look of this sporty compact crossover.

Comfort Features:

Depending on the trim, occupants can opt for such features as leather seats to a panoramic roof to a 9-speaker Bose system to a navigation to a an around view camera to a power driver’s seat.

Powertrain/Engine:

For the 2017 model year, the 4-cylinder Rogue is outfitted with a standard 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower engine, whereas the hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter, 141 horsepower engine. The electric motor alone in the hybrid produces 40-horsepower.

We found both powertrains to be quite adequate for both the gasoline and hybrid models all while carrying passengers and using the ventilation, during Georgia’s warm weather. The powertrains adequately handled curves, street drives and highway driving as designed.

And, according to fueleconomy.gov, Rogue’s gasoline model has a fuel range of 420 miles on a tank of gas. The vehicle has a combined gas mileage of 29 miles. As of today, we are still waiting for the EPA to release the fuel economy ratings on the Rogue hybrid. The folks at Nissan claim that the hybrid model should have a combined rating of 34 miles with the front wheel drive configuration model.  

Powertrain Warranty:

Gasoline: 5 years/60,000 miles
Hybrid: 8 years/100,000 miles

Availability:

The gasoline model Rogue is available now, whereas the Rogue hybrid will begin trickling into dealerships during the end of December.

Pricing:

As of now, pricing has not been released for the hybrid. However, pricing on the base gasoline model is available. In fact, the price climbs approximately $500 to $24,760 for the 2017 model year. A well-equipped Rogue can top out around $35,000, which is about a $1,000 lower than the outgoing 2016 model. Trims have been reduced from 10 to 6, which obviously has impacted the price.

Competition:

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

.