2014 Nissan Rogue: First Look

Competes with: Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5

Looks like: A mini Nissan Pathfinder

Drivetrain: 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, CVT, front- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: November

Nissan's Rogue has been an affordable if somewhat forgettable member of the compact crossover segment. The 2014 gets a complete redesign that adds a little bit of styling flash, a much needed interior upgrade and a surprise: an optional third row of seats.

The 2014 is a hair shorter than the outgoing model, and at 182.8 inches in length it is a few inches longer than the Honda CR-V and RAV4. But the Rogue is wider and taller than before, which allows the stadium-styled third row. The second row of seats also has a remarkable 9 inches of travel to adjust for third-row passengers' comfort.

A third row in a crossover this small is unique, and it's likely most buyers won't opt for it.

Instead those shoppers will care more about the starting price of $23,350 (including destination) that gets you 17-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights, a slide/recline adjustable second row that folds in a 40/20/40 split, power windows and locks, backup camera, CD stereo with USB/iPod integration and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.

That's a lower price than either the RAV4 or CR-V but higher than Mazda's CX-5. You can compare all three along with the 2013 Rogue here.

Moving the new Rogue is the old 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the current model with identical power numbers of 170 horsepower and 175 pounds-feet of torque. But Nissan expects mileage to improve some 18% to 33 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models when EPA ratings are released.

Overall, the interior looks to be on par with the company's Altima midsize sedan versus the Sentra compact with the top-of-the-line SL with leather shown in these images looking especially upscale. The "zero gravity" front seats are similar to the ones in the Altima as well; they've gotten love-it or hate-it reactions from our editors.

Maximum cargo area has increased significantly to 70 cubic feet, which is now competitive with the RAV4 and CR-V.

We'll have more on pricing and trim levels later today. For now check out the photos below.