Poor sedans. They are literally no big deal anymore, relegated to underdog status, as the number-one selling volume segment is now the compact crossover SUV, scoring more than 3 million in sales last year and is taking up 19 percent of the year-to-date market share. But we all saw this coming, and with fuel prices again dropping, SUVs of all sizes will continue with their gangbusters sales – discounts and incentives be damned.
FOLLOW DAILY NEWS AUTOS ON FACEBOOK. ‘LIKE’ US HERE.
One vehicle having little trouble attracting the attention of the suburban set is the Nissan Rogue. Launched in 2007, more than 1.4 million models have been sold in the United States with 91 percent of them still roaming warehouse store parking lots. It’s an impressive feat considering the Toyota RAV4, which, in 1996, essentially brought upon us this era of the modern cute ute, took 14 years to reach similar sales. For the Nissan Rogue, its second generation receives a significant refresh for the 2017 model year – including a model-first hybrid version. We drove pre-production vehicles during a recent jaunt in Georgia to see just how improved the latest Rogue is.
Approachable exterior character
According to Nissan, compared to the segment average, the Rogue buyer is younger, most likely a parent and skews female. But don’t call it a chick car, as it’s common knowledge that most vehicle purchases are handled by women, regardless of who actually spends time behind the wheel. In the case of the Rogue, its styling has been rather soft but such is the general ilk of the compact crossover. For 2017, however, a new front fascia and more defined character lines create a pronounced presence.
Nissan’s signature “V-motion” grille commands a much larger frontal landscape than last year’s model but isn’t overdone. A progressive full-body character line flows through to the rear, creating a boomerang effect with the new signature taillights. Paired with a new rear bumper and LEDs galore in the daytime running lights, rear combination lamps and taillights, the 2017 Rogue appears aggressive but not obnoxious. Available with new 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the refreshed Rogue offers a decidedly handsomer design, as if in an appeal to look more warrior than wary.
Updated but uncomfortable interior
The interior receives premium updates as well with new available colors and materials for the seats, shifter, doors and instrument panels. The most notable change is to the steering wheel, which is now of the sporty flat-bottomed variety. Its ergonomics are good until you attempt to make a one-handed turn. That’s when the D-shaped steering wheel feels less intuitive and more awkward as you figure out where to grip. Or just break the bad habit of making one-handed turns (I’m working on it).
GALLERY: 2017 NISSAN ROGUE PHOTOS
The dash layout has been updated for a cleaner, more streamlined look. With the air vents flushed and the thick and excessive painted finishes of yore replaced with slimmer, subtler chrome accents, the cabin opens up visually. Without anything overly distracting, the cockpit is well appointed and intuitive. Although overall visibility is good, the outside mirrors remain massive and will create an unfortunate blind spot for those who prefer a lower seating position – whether due to physical proportions or personal preference.
Additionally, as appealing as everything looks, the supposedly premium cloth seats of the S and SV trims offer little in terms of comfort. Finding a proper driving position is easy enough with the Rogue offering a standard six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, available power lumbar support and manual tilt-and-telescopic-adjustable steering wheel. However, without needing to drive on the harshest of roads, the cloth seats in the SV AWD model I tested weren’t the most supportive and at times felt downright stiff. Perhaps they just needed a breaking-in period but my couple of hours tooling around the Georgian country side was not going to provide that. Opt for the SL’s leather-trimmed seats. Its higher price point will reward you with higher comfort. Your back and rear will thank you.
Heavy on the tech
From a convenience standpoint, the 2017 Rogue receives standard technology niceties for the SV trim level such as heated outside mirrors and remote engine start. A heated steering wheel and motion-activated tailgate are new options.
BUYER’S GUIDE: 2017 NISSAN ROGUE
With a range of up to 196 feet, the remote engine start will simultaneously activate the aforementioned heated features as well as the front and rear defrosters. The HVAC system auto-sets to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the vehicle will run in normal operation for up to 10 minutes. The motion-activated tailgate turns on when a kick motion is detected by the rear bumper sensor and will automatically open and close the door. It takes some target practice though as too swift a kick and you may look silly without a dance partner.
Nissan also adds more safety features to its Safety Shield suite of technologies, which already included forward emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring for the Rogue. Newly available driver assistance systems include lane departure warning and prevention, intelligent cruise control and forward emergency braking with added pedestrian detection.
Proportioned performance, pestering powertrain
Dynamics and drivability aren’t exactly high up on most compact SUV checklists, but you still have to be able to live with it as a daily driver, regardless of how short or long the commute. And for what the Rogue offers, it’s a fine package. It might not win any comparison tests on performance but the 2017 Rogue’s 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine’s 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque offers enough passing power to confidently maneuver around overloaded landscaping trucks and oversized tractors. Quick U-turns are not a struggle and braking is on point. But, as with every Nissan, the Rogue is equipped with the brand’s Xtronic transmission, available with Eco and Sport modes.
I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two driving modes, but maybe I wasn’t driving the vehicle hard enough. I honestly didn’t feel like I needed to because that’s not the point of the Rogue. These crossovers are popular because of their gestalt of cargo volume, compact size, connectivity features and safety systems. Therefore, the household lead foots will not be happy as the engine equally announces its dismay during hard acceleration. Loud and blaring, the Rogue’s standard gasoline engine interrupts the quietness of the cabin while the transmission hunts for the proper gear-to-rpm ratio. So don’t do that. As long as you’re not constantly in a hurry, the Rogue is a competent player among compact crossovers.
Pricing for the 2017 Nissan Rogue will be available closer to its launch date later this year. Vehicles equipped with the standard gasoline engine will have a choice of S, SV and SL trims along with several optional package choices. The hybrid model will be offered in two trims – SV and SL – with one optional package. Look for our review of the 2017 Rogue Hybrid later this month.
