2008 Nissan Rogue

Slipping successfully into a new niche isn't always easy, even if the market appears to have space for another entrant. Small "crossover" vehicles have become a hot item lately, but Nissan has not participated in that segment, concentrating instead on its larger, more conventional SUVs.


That omission has been rectified for the 2008 model year, as Nissan launches its brand-new Rogue crossover. Ready for sale in mid-September, the Rogue will compete in a category that's expected to score nearly one million sales this year.

Styling

Based on Renault's Alliance C-platform, capitalizing on Nissan's French connection, the Rogue contains a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. (California-destined Rogues develop 167 horsepower and 170 pound-feet.) All Rogues use a second-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT); no manual transmission or conventional automatic is available.


With the Rogue, Nissan targets two primary and familiar rivals: the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, both of which have been around for a decade. Rather than strict utility, which typically draws buyers toward small crossovers, Nissan promises "aggressive, performance-oriented styling" for the Rogue, accompanied by driving excitement and "stealth ultra-functionality." Not quite as tall as its twin competitors, the Rogue follows what Nissan calls a "Dynamic Arch" styling theme. Kinship to the larger Murano is evident.


Nissan claims fuel economy that beats both the RAV4 and CR-V, using the Environmental Protection Agency's new measuring standard for 2008 models. With front-wheel drive, the Rogue earns an EPA estimate of 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive knocks exactly one mpg off each estimate.