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The compact crossover utility segment is loaded with appealing vehicles. For buyers who want the function of an SUV without the size and price of a large vehicle, compacts are a great answer.

In truth, the vehicles in this segment are functionally closer to a station wagon than an off-road vehicle, but what’s wrong with that?

The Nissan Rogue is a good example of a what’s right about compact crossovers. It is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and in two trim levels. The S begins at $20,220 and the SL at $21,810. All-wheel drive adds $1,400 to the S and $1,200 to the SL.

I drove a front-wheel-drive SL with a sticker price of $26,350. The optional all-wheel drive offers enhanced traction in winter, but the less expensive front-wheel drive model is more than adequate for most climates.

The Rogue has round, smooth styling that carries elements of the Nissan Murano. It competes with vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7, Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox. Some of the Rogue’s competitors offer an optional V-6, but the Rogue’s four-cylinder provides adequate power and is more efficient than a V-6.

Some might criticize the Rogue for not offering a third seat, but the extra seat would gobble up the available cargo space and be so small that only toddlers could use it.

The Rogue’s 2.5-liter engine produces 170 horsepower, and the vehicle stepped away from a stop with good energy. I attribute much of the liveliness to the continuously variable automatic transmission. The CVT is almost as efficient as a manual, and the widely variable gear ratios give a low gear for quick starts and a high gear for quiet highway cruising.

The fuel economy rating is 22 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway.

Inside, the Rogue has room for five without sacrificing a decent cargo space. The split-folding second seat folds down to create a flat load floor that is very handy. The SL’s front seat also folds forward to accommodate long items.

The look and feel of the interior belie the car’s price. The instrument panel is handsomely styled, and the two-tone cloth seats in the test vehicle were comfortable as well as attractive. The gauges are large and easy to read. Heated leather seats are optional on the SL.

The Garmin Nuvi 750 navigation device is a most useful option. The small unit attaches to the dash just to the right of the instrument pod. I found the Garmin to be just as functional as a large LCD screen, and its price was way less than most in-dash navigation systems. I think we’ll see more vehicles with small-screen navigation units as a way to save money.

The center console has two large cup holders and a nice storage bin topped with an armrest. Fingertip controls on the steering wheel can be used to adjust the audio system and cruise control.

Safety items include front, side and side-curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control are also standard on the SL.

Price

The base price of the test vehicle was $21,810. Options included the Bose premium audio system with seven speakers, Garmin Nuvi 750 navigation unit, satellite radio, Bluetooth handsfree phone system, fog lights and a foldable cargo organizer. The sticker price was $26,350.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Nissan Rogue SL

Engine: 2.5-liter, 170-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: CVT

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 105.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,354 lbs.

Base price: $21,810

As driven: $26,350

MPG rating: 22 city, 27 hwy.

Tom Strongman’s e-mail address is tom@tomstrongman.com.