First Drive: 2014 Nissan Rogue

Its abilities are augmented by something that Nissan calls Active Trace Control. This is a system that subtly engages the inner or outer brakes, optimizing your line through turns by controlling understeer. Sounds a bit nebulous, to be sure, but we were able to test it out and it truly made a difference. The average consumer won’t know it’s happening, but it makes a difference in terms of confidence and safety. And that’s a good thing.

2014 Nissan Rogue & Mecaglisse Track. Click image to enlarge

Speaking of winter driving, on the second day we made our way to the famous Mecaglisse Ice Track where we were able to experience the Rogue’s abilities in what might pass as the worst conditions a typical consumer might have to face – a pure ice surface. Once again, its all-wheel drive and safety systems worked together to make it a stress-free situation and I was very impressed.

2014 Nissan Rogue. Click image to enlarge

The 2014 Rogue boasts the lowest starting MSRP out of all its competitors, with the S FWD starting at $23,498. You can price it all the way up to a full-load SL, which rings in at $33,098. Nissan has kept it simple with two option packages – the Family Tech and the Premium packages. AWD is available on any trim for $2,000 – the top-line SL only comes in AWD.

In terms of refinement – inside and out, the Rogue has taken a big step up from its predecessor. The model has enjoyed a high loyalty rate – 40 percent of buyers have bought another Rogue, and Nissan, who clearly stated that the Rogue is a very important product line for them, is hoping this trend will continue and grow.

Nissan Canada just had their best-ever year, yet I sensed a certain humility during their presentation. One gets the feeling they’re not letting the success go to their heads, but instead are looking to the future and bringing bigger and better things to market.

If the Rogue is any indication of where they’re headed, it’s a bright future indeed. Bring on the Winter Heroes!

The 2014 Rogue is now available in Canada.

Pricing: 2014 Nissan Rogue
Base Price (S): $23,498
Options: $2,000 AWD
Base Price (SV): $26,748
Options: $2,000 AWD, $2,050 SV Family Tech Package – 3rd-row seating, Navigation, traffic, Around View Monitor, power liftgate
Base Price (SL): $30,498
Options: $2,600 SL Premium Package – Bose audio, Navigation, traffic, Around View Monitor, power liftgate

Competitors:
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-5
Mitsubishi Outlander
Toyota RAV4

Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)