2017 Nissan Rogue gets more sophisticated

Rogue entry-level compact CUV is Nissan’s best-selling model in Canada

Clare Dear
Published: October 4, 2016, 11:40 AM
Updated: October 6, 2016, 9:54 PM

2017 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is Nissan Canada’s top-selling vehicle, so it’s only natural the company wasn’t keen to mess too much with success when plotting a mid-cycle refresh. For 2017, the entry-level compact CUV gets updated styling inside and out, plus availability of some advanced safety and convenience technologies previously found on more premium products. Words and Pictures by Clare Dear. ▲

More sophisticated styling

Essentially, Nissan says its goal with this updated version of the second-generation Rogue (introduced in 2014) is to move it upscale a notch or so – and it’s doing it with more sophisticated styling and enhanced content. ▲

New front fascia

Fresh styling touches include a new front fascia highlighted by what Nissan dubs a “V-Motion” grille, a design cue that’s become a signature look for the brand. The headlamp assemblies, which now include LED daytime running lights, have been redesigned to draw the eye along the side of the Rogue and connect with the new taillights. ▲

Boomerang rear lights

The redesigned taillights now share the boomerang design, a look that’s also becoming a signature styling cue on Nissan products. ▲

New wheels

New wheel designs have been introduced for 2017 and range in size from 17 to 19 inches in diameter, depending on the model. The base S model gets 17x7 steel wheels with covers, fitted with 225/65R17 all-season tires, while the mid-range SV trim has 17x7 aluminum alloy rims with the same tires, although run-flat tires are optional. The premium SL Platinum gets the 19x7 multi-spoke alloy rims and 225/55R17 all-season tires ▲

FWD or AWD

A single engine/transmission package is used in all Rogues – and it’s unchanged from the powertrain driving the current model. The engine is an aluminum 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 16 valves, controlled by a continuously variable timing control system, double overhead camshafts and sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection. This engine generates 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 revs using regular-grade gasoline. The Rogue is available in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, with the same transmission used for both configurations – an advanced version of Nissan’s continuously variable Xtronic transmission with Sport and Eco modes. Hill start assist is standard. ▲

Fuel-efficient

Fuel consumption ratings have not been released, but the onboard computer in my test vehicle showed an average rate of 7.9 litre/100 km during a drive on urban streets, rural roads and highways. ▲

Hybrid coming – but not for us

You’re not supposed to see this, but a hybrid version of the Rogue is joining the lineup – however, it won’t be offered in Canada. In the U.S., though, buyers will be able to opt for the Pure Drive hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.0-litre, 141-horsepower, aluminum four-cylinder with an advanced 30-kilowatt electric motor that generates 40 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. ▲

176 Horsepower

The system has a net power output of 176 horses, compared with Toyota’s 2017 RAV4 hybrid CUV, which uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and its Hybrid Synergy Drive system for a net output of 194 horsepower. Both vehicles seat five. It appears Nissan Canada is willing to leave the green CUV segment to Toyota. ▲

Not for 2017, but…

Officials would only say that due to the smaller size of their home market, they want to focus on the three models currently offered in Canada. “There will definitely not be a hybrid Rogue offered here in 2017,” said Rogue marketing manager Brent Smith. Looking beyond this model year, the standard response about “not discussing future products” was delivered. ▲

Interior refinements

The Rogue’s interior has been given a makeover for 2017. The instrument panel has been revamped to create a wider, horizontally stretched look that flows into the front door panels. The centre console has also been redesigned. There are additional soft-touch materials, including the armrest, and the hard plastic pieces have a more premium look. The cloth seat coverings have been upgraded on S and SV trims with premium materials while supple tan leather coverings with quilted leather inserts are included in the SL Platinum model’s new Platinum Reserve interior package. Quick Comfort heated front seats are standard across the model lineup. Special attention has been paid to reducing the intrusion of road, wind and mechanical noise into the cabin. Improved door seals, additional insulation and thicker rear door glass are among the changes that have resulted in noticeable differences – high frequency road noise has been reduced by 9%, wind noise has been trimmed 8% and there’s a 6% reduction in mechanical noise. ▲

Extensive standard features

Standard interior features include SiriusXM satellite radio capability, a five-inch colour driver assist display, a USB connection, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, remote keyless entry and a four-speaker audio system with auxiliary input jack. A premium Bose audio system with nine speakers and a seven-inch colour display screen is standard on the SL Platinum model. Another new feature, remote engine start, is standard on SV and SL Platinum models. A new D-shaped steering wheel, with audio controls, has been added – and it’s available with a heat feature on SV trim and standard on the SL Platinum. Manual tilt and telescope features are standard on all models. The new sport-mode shifter now has a leather boot. ▲

Room in the rear

While five-passenger seating is standard, the Rogue does offer room for an additional two passengers with a third-row bench, available on the mid-range SV model. Even with the third-row seat upright, there’s 266 litres (9.4 cubic feet ) of cargo space available and that capacity can be increased by folding the 50/50-split seatback flat. For added convenience and functionality, the second-row seat on all models slides fore and aft, while its 40/20/40-split seatback can recline or be folded forward. If you’re faced with loading longer items such as an eight-foot ladder, the front passenger seatback also folds. Worth noting, too, is how far the rear doors open – 77 degrees – making access and egress with people or cargo so much easier. ▲

Motion-activated liftgate

Among the newly added convenience features on the 2017 Rogue is a motion-activated power liftgate. The system, which is standard on the SL Platinum and available on the SV as part of the SV Moonroof Package Tech package, uses a kick sensor to open and closing the tailgate – a handy feature when your arms of holding bags of groceries, for example. ▲

Cargo organizer

Nissan has designed a nifty cargo organizing system that can be arranged in 18 different configurations, all with the use of one hand. Its class-exclusive Divide ‘N Hide system, which is standard on all five-passenger models, is the ideal solution for keeping different sized items in place or separating dirty, wet items such as boots from clean, dry ones. If the lower level gets grungy, it can be easily cleaned. ▲

Safety Shield technologies

For 2017, the Rogue now incorporates new features from Nissan’s suite of Safety Shield technologies, including radar-based intelligent cruise control, which uses radar to maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead in traffic. This system, which is included in the SL Platinum trim, can be set at speeds ranging from 32 km/h to 144 km/h. It can bring the Rogue to a complete stop in traffic, if necessary, then resume speed if the stoppage has been just a few seconds. (Some competitive intelligent systems kick out below a specified speed, leaving the driver to resume control of the vehicle’s speed.) Also new for 2017 is forward emergency braking with the added safety technology of pedestrian detection, which is designed to recognize and react to pedestrians (standard in the SL Platinum). ▲

Advanced Driver Aids

Other new technologies, also standard on the SL Platinum, are an audible and visual lane departure warning system and a lane departure prevention system that applies selective braking to help return the vehicle to the centre of the lane. These new technologies are augmented by such carryover driver assistance features as a radar-based blind spot warning system and rear cross traffic alert; Siri Eyes Free, which enables iPhone users to access features on their phone through the Rogue’s audio system, and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. Both features are included in the SV Tech package and are standard on the SL Platinum. ▲

Arriving mid-November

Pricing for the 2017 Rogue is expected to be announced in late October, with the vehicles scheduled to start arriving in showrooms from the Smyrna, Tenn. assembly plant by mid-November. ▲

New Cars Automotive Reviews Nissan Nissan Rogue