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We picked the 2008 Nissan Rogue as our MotorWeek Drivers' Choice pick for Best Small Utility, and after a couple of months and a couple of thousand miles in our long-term fleet, we've every reason to think we hit the bull's eye.
What a pleasant and entertaining to drive compact crossover. And, at 25.7 miles-per-gallon on regular gas, pretty frugal too.
And that's with a more than adequate 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine, and very smooth CVT automatic transmission. The steering wheel paddle shifters just add to the enjoyment.
Now, if it only had a backup camera!
Still, the Nissan Rogue is no rascal, and a welcome addition to our fleet.
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The appealing smaller utility 2008 Nissan Rogue is a full bore compact crossover available in both front, and all-wheel drive, like our top level SL model. But, beyond versatility, the Rouge is that rare utility that is also entertaining to drive. Its tossible nature would work well in a compact car.
Mileage is also better than most of its rivals, with our 4-month average of 23.8 miles-per-gallon on regular after 8,500 mostly urban miles.
The Rogue's 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine and CVT automatic transmission are a well mannered combo. The steering wheel paddle shifters just add to the enjoyment.
With no mechanical problems, staff gripes are limited to not enough front seat travel, and the need of more lower back support.
Still, the Nissan Rogue is a well mannered, welcome addition to our fleet.
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It is one thing for us to pick a Drivers' Choice Award winner based on a two-week test, and it's quite another to live with our selection for a full year. But, so far so great for our 2008 Best Small Utility, the Nissan Rogue.
This stylish compact crossover is available in both front, and all-wheel drive. But, it also has the power train and suspension to be entertaining to drive.
The Rogue's 2.5-liter 170-horsepower engine is peppy and smooth, and while we have been luke warm to CVT automatic transmissions in the past, Nissan has that technology nailed, with steering wheel shifters a nice extra.
CVT's are known for good fuel economy and after six months and just past the 13,000 mile marker, our Rogue has climbed to 24.7 miles-per-gallon of regular. That's very good for any utility.
How would we make it better? More front seat travel and firmer lower back support. But, that's it.
If we were giving out awards today, the Nissan Rogue would still be our small utility of choice.
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This 2008 Nissan Rogue, our Drivers' Choice Award winner for best Best Small Sport Utility, is fairing nicely in our long-term fleet.
Our staff loves its high seating position, versatility, and handling. Negatives include loud tires, and not enough small item storage space.
After 8 months and nearly 17,000 miles, our all-wheel drive Rogue's 2.5-liter 4 and CVT transmission combo is returning 24.4 miles-per-gallon of regular. That's a good result for any utility, especially one as entertaining as the Nissan Rogue.
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When it comes to this 2008 Nissan Rogue, our Drivers' Choice Award winner for best Best Small Uitlity, there is a lot to like.
That includes the high seating position, versatility, and handling. Dislikes include loud tires, and not enough small item storage space.
After 10 months and 19,000 miles, our all-wheel drive Rogue's 2.5-liter 4 and CVT transmission combo is returning 23.6 miles-per-gallon of regular. That's a good result for any utility used in daily commuting, especially one as pleasant as the Nissan Rogue.
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We've never thought the name Rogue fit Nissan's compact crossover that well. Rather than a scoundrel, it's a very user friendly vehicle that's in perfect step with its class. There is a lot to like about the Rogue, including its high comfortable seating, more than ample cargo flexibility, and sporty driving habits.
It also delivers the kind of fuel economy that we expect from a 5-passenger crossover. After 11 months and nearly 21,000 miles, our all-wheel drive Rogue's 2.5-liter 4 and CVT transmission combo is returning a consistent 23.6 miles-per-gallon of regular. And that's in mostly around town driving.
We are noticing some abnormal steering noises of late, so that has to be checked out. But otherwise, our Rogue is certainly no rascal.
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Throughout it's year long stay, the Nissan Rogue proved to be a near perfect compact crossover utility. It's comfortable for five adults, and the cargo bay can handle a small mountain of gear. And, after 23,727 mostly urban miles, our Rogue's 2.5-liter 4 and CVT combo returned a fine 23.7 miles-per-gallon of regular. Plus, the optional all-wheel drive system was more than up to Mid-Atlantic ice and snow.
Towards the end we did notice the engine become a bit less willing. Road noise also increased greatly when driving in the rain. Plus, we heard some strange sounds from the steering gear.
But, more importantly, we liked driving the Rogue, and proved that with a MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award. So, never a scoundrel, the Nissan Rogue proved to be a very good friend indeed.
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