Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Nissan Rogue SL

[Autos_Editor]

Soft-core.
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[Noto]

The problem, Brendan, with this article is that you placed a little bit of candy at the end called "Turbocharged minx".  After reading that again, *nostalgia!!*, I have totally forgotten about the Rogue.

...and such is its crowning grace:  A truly forgettable experience.  That's what consumers/mall-goers want and need.

As you say, the best feature of the car is the driver's seat.  It's brilliant and is, without a doubt, sufficient to sell droves of this vehicle on its own accord.  The powertrain desperately needs an update, though.

[redman]

"I’d have the temptation to sneak out and see a little turbocharged minx on the side."

Hmm, seems to me that since we are talking about CUV's that the Forester Turbo is your answer.

[JRM]

I'm a very active 67 year old accountant and value for features isn't enough for me.  A lot more sportiness and a bit more power coming on at considerably lower tourque numbers, please.

[kfish]

We purchased an SL about 8 months ago.  She-who-must-be-obeyed has it as her daily driver.  She absolutely loves it.  And I have to admit, so do I.  Granted, we're both pro-Nissan and have been for some time, so there is undoubtedly some cognitive dissonance going on.  Nevertheless, what I perceive to be the value proposition with this new Rogue (particularly the SL) has me questioning the relevance of the Murano we also currently have (which is our third one, BTW); so much so that it's about to be replaced with a full-size pickup.

In all fairness, we have no child seats with which to contend as our kids are solely the four-legged variety.  Also, neither of us has aspirations for NASCAR/F1/etc, so we find the power to be more than sufficient, highway passing or otherwise.  I personally have found there to be far too much emphasis on the nuclear acceleration capabilities of new vehicles these days anyway -- why in the world do I need 300 bhp in ANY vehicle?

Is it a fantastic vehicle?  IMO, yes, especially at it's price.  Is it perfect?  No.  Complaints?  More like minor quibbles:

- I don't like the tilt/telescopic mechanism.  The one in the Murano is much better.
- A little more sound insulation would be nice.  It's not bad, but I think they could have done better.
- I agree with the Xmas lights analogy regarding the daytime LEDs.
- I wish it had the Homelink garage door opener system integrated -- I've become fond of them (and the associated lack of an ugly opening device clamped on a visor).

[mixmanmash]

I'm a very active 67 year old accountant and value for features isn't enough for me.  A lot more sportiness and a bit more power coming on at considerably lower tourque numbers, please.

I hope you meant lower RPM.

[Noto]

She-who-must-be-obeyed
...
Also, neither of us has aspirations for NASCAR/F1/etc, so we find the power to be more than sufficient, highway passing or otherwise.  I personally have found there to be far too much emphasis on the nuclear acceleration capabilities of new vehicles these days anyway -- why in the world do I need 300 bhp in ANY vehicle?

You're a noob and you quoted SWMBO!  Loves it.

As for the powertrain, it's not that we want "MOAR POWAH" as we commonly complain about, but we find, compared to the Rogue's competitors, the powertrain is simply not competitive.  It is more gruff, the CVT is more intrusive, and power delivery is not as smooth as is found in, say, the Honda CRV with its 2.4L + CVT.  In the recent comparison, the CVT in the CRV was the favourite transmission of the bunch, so it's not that the CVT is disliked 'generally', but Nissan's really isn't at the top of the pack.

Acceleration in the Rogue is fine, fuel economy is mid-pack and therefore acceptable (though it employs a CVT to do so), but it's not a leader in terms of smoothness or fuel economy.  The criticism that the powertrain should be updated is intended to be constructive.  Nobody here would require it to have 300bhp, and 170hp would be sufficient so long as it's smoother than it is and more fuel efficient.

[chignectohead]

Superb writing. Made me laugh out loud. Manufacturers making doze-mobiles should get you to write the reviews solely to reduce the latent effects of somnambulism, Mr. McAleer.

[JRM]

I'm a very active 67 year old accountant and value for features isn't enough for me.  A lot more sportiness and a bit more power coming on at considerably lower tourque numbers, please.

I hope you meant lower RPM.

Oops, I meant more tourque at lower RPMs. 

[Agiledood]

Maybe I'm just more aware given how many times I've seen reviews of the Rogue recently, but there seems to be quite a few of them around where I live.  It would be on my short list to replace the 5 when the time comes.

[SKYMTL]

Maybe I'm just more aware given how many times I've seen reviews of the Rogue recently, but there seems to be quite a few of them around where I live.  It would be on my short list to replace the 5 when the time comes.

Take a look at the B250 4Matic as well.  After test driving it two weeks ago, I was absolutely blown away. 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

So much better than the previous Rogue.

Very entertaining article as well.