Vehicle Overview Nissan joins the compact crossover SUV crowd with the introduction of the 2008 Rogue. Offered in base S and uplevel SL trims, the Rogue is powered by a four-cylinder engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. It hits dealerships next fall and will have a starting price around $20,000.
Exterior At 182.9 inches long overall, the Rogue is only about 5 inches shorter than the company’s midsize Murano crossover. Some of the Murano’s styling elements — like its eggcrate grille and upward sweeping D-pillar — can be seen in the Rogue. Overall, though, the smaller SUV has a softer appearance than the Murano, especially in front.
Steel wheels that measure 16 inches in diameter are standard, but 17-inch alloy wheels are offered. High-intensity-discharge headlights, a power moonroof and a roof rack are available.
Interior There’s room for five in the Rogue’s cabin, and the seats can be covered in mesh cloth or leather. The driver and front passenger sit on bucket seats and face a fairly minimalist dashboard. Dash vents and control knobs are accented with silver-colored surrounds, and the instrument panel is dominated by two large gauges with orange illumination. A front passenger seat that folds flat for carrying long items inside the SUV is available, and the second row features a 60/40-split folding bench seat.
Available features include a Bose audio system, Bluetooth-based cell phone connectivity, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a hidden cargo area organizer.
Under the Hood The Rogue’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 170 horsepower and 175 pounds-feet of torque and drives a continuously variable automatic transmission. Steering-wheel paddle shifters are available.
Safety All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are standard. Active front head restraints, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are also standard.
