Vehicle: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD with Premium Pkg, Technology Pkg and Leather Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$37198

Performance: Even though Rogue replaced the now-deficit X-Trail compact SUV, its still powered by the same powerhouse. Its the same QR25DE, which has 170 horses and 175 lb/ft of torque, at driver’s disposal. This engine, however, isn’t known for refinement and upper rev performance, even when it first debuted 5 years ago in Altima. However, 175 lb/ft @ 3900rpm has given it plenty of get-up-and-go when a driver needs to. Thanks to Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable gearbox. This engine has given a health of efficiency and response when one needs to push it enthuisastically. This combination has given Rogue decent fuel economy, during our day of testing, we average a 9L/100km which is exceptionally good consider it weights close to 3500 pounds.

Handling: Rogue is based on the same chassis as the Sentra. Even though we felt completely disappointed with Sentra’s dynamic abilities, even with performance-oriented SE-R Spec-V. Rogue’s driving experience is much better than expected for a soft-roader. Although the electric power steering feels featherweight and lack of feel, its response is acceptable. Rogue’s AWD system is a 50/50 until it detects slippage, which is efficient and effective during Vancouver’s rainy October. The Vehicle Dynamic Control, or what Nissan’s name for stability control, works well with its AWD system. Whenever a driver has got into nasty after all the power sent through 100% to the offending wheel, the VDC will kicked in before it rears its ugly head. Both body rolls and understeer are as expected in a soft-roader. As for the ride quality, it rates as one of the better ones in the segment. It absorbs all the roughness and expansion joints with ease.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Rogue’s pedal feel is much better than expected. Both the stopping distance and pedal feel are better than average. ABS works effectively and efficiently, without kicking in abruptly.

Interior: Slip behind the wheel of a Rogue and you never forget its a Nissan. Why? The amount of cheap and hard plastic on the dashboard and door panels certainly keep its “tradition” intact even though Carlos Ghose has promised to improve its interior from time-to-time. If only the Rogue has the same kind of materials and fit-and-finish as the less expensive Tiida. The leather material feels more plasticky than many of those leatherette, although both front and rear seats are comfortable. The ergonomics are excellent thanks to stereo placed above the climate control.

On the other hand, the rear 3rd quarter view is similar to the visibility-challenged FX and Murano due to its swallow D-pillars.

Despite of its, yet another, swallow E-pillar cut-off. Rogue’s cargo space is better than average thanks to its 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.

Conclusion: When X-Trail introduced back in 2005, we were surprise it sold relatively well given its age in worldwide market. We also recognized its a stop gap model before an all-new soft-roader arrives a few years later. Rogue’s styling, however, is a much more controversial one compares to the understated X-Trail as it developed during the Renault era. Its styling certainly won’t appeal to conservative type of buyers who are shopping for Tucson and CR-V. On the other hand, it will serve well for those who can’t afford a “Roger Rabbit” Infiniti FX.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 NISSAN ROGUE
=================================
Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2.5/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3/5