The recently redesigned 2015 Nissan Rogue delivers a near-luxury like SUV for a much smaller price point. It does this through it use of premium interior materials, a refined ride and a stylish exterior.
Nissan offers the five-passenger Rogue in three different trim levels: S, SV and SL. It has an optional third-row bench seat in select trim levels which raises the total seating to seven.
Our test model was a 2015 Nissan Rogue SV with all-wheel drive and the premium package. The SV trim gives a selection of great upgrades like 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-way driver seat and the NissanConnect infotainment system. Also, the premium package adds Nissan’s Around View 360-degree camera system with moving object detection. Plus, it has navigation, a larger 7-inch touchscreen and heated mirrors. For safety, it adds blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and a forward collision warning system.
Driving Impressions - Smooth, Albeit Lackluster
On the road, Nissan’s 2.5L four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission returns a smooth driving experience. While the powertrain won’t have you thinking of visiting the track anytime soon with 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, it does an ample job of getting the SUV from Point A to Point B without being overly sluggish or producing annoying hesitations from other comparable SUVs with traditional geared transmissions.
During our time putting several hundred miles on the SUV, we found it did everything OK. Acceleration was smooth, albeit not speedy, it maintained highway speeds with little effort and braking was on par with other like vehicles. We also achieved the EPA-estimated 25/32/28 MPG city/highway/combined our all-wheel drive model was rated at.
About the only negative we have with the powertrain and driving experience is it is pretty mundane. However, it does provide a really smooth ride. Judging this as a negative or positive all depends on driver preference.
One final item to note is parking is much easier with the Rogue using the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. Basically, when backing up, you get a complete 360 degree view of the area around you on the touchscreen split with a back-up camera. This system works great to see items all around you like shopping carts you may not have seen otherwise. It definitely will cut down on nicks and scrapes from hitting various items.
Overall, the 2015 Nissan Rogue provides a pleasant driving experience with innovative technology solutions to annoying issues like in the Around View Monitor.
Exterior – Premium-Like Feel
Last year, Nissan redesigned the Rogue and gave it a much more refined and nearly luxurious look. This look stands out among a bland marketplace full of look-a-like vehicles. Standing out is important for Nissan, since the Rogue is one of their top sellers and is an introduction to the brand vehicle for many buyers.
From the front to the rear, the subtle styling features of the Nissan Rogue are more in-line with luxury SUVs and exactly the opposite of its other models like the Nissan Juke.
We also liked the lack of chrome accents. While others seem to be putting chrome around everything from foglights to rear bumpers, Nissan designers did a great job of adding just the right amount of touches to the Rogue. Leaving the chrome to the accents like roof rails, window trim and a strip on the lower bumper, the Rogue uses the material wisely.
Lastly, the rear hatch is wide and offers easy access to the cargo area. The 70 cubic feet of cargo space inside the cabin is pretty versatile with the front-passenger, second- and third-row seats folding flat. Also, there is a “Divide and Hide” feature with configurable shelves in the rear. This allows you to move and add shelves where you want to “stack, hide or separate,” says Nissan. While it may seem gimmicky, this is a really smart evolution of the rear storage area.
Overall, the 2015 Nissan Rogue exterior comes together really well and buyers could be forgiven for mistaking it with a luxury SUV.
Interior – Luxurious, Plush Materials
While the outside may suggest a luxury SUV, the interior reinforces the notion. Throughout the cabin, Nissan has added soft-touch materials and near-luxury leather-appointed seating.
One of the first items that stand out in the cabin is the zero-gravity seats. While critics may contend the zero-gravity is just a marketing term, sitting in them for any length of time says otherwise. Nissan says these seats were inspired by NASA and create a pressure-point free sitting experience. Marketing hype or not, these seats do make a difference during daily and long-distance driving.
Another great feature is the soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin. From the steering wheel to the shifter, this material is pleasing to the touch. During the course of several days of driving, we were consistently impressed each time we rode in the interior.
A downside for us on the interior was the steering wheel controls and additional storage space options. The steering wheel controls are hardy and require a stronger push to operate. They are in complete contrast to the other soft-touch items in the cabin. Also, compared to the competition, Nissan could have provided additional storage features like room under the shifter for large bags or purses. Plus, additional storage pockets to fit our smartphone and tablets would be a welcome addition.
Nearly Luxurious SUV For Less
After spending a week with the 2015 Nissan Rogue, we were surprised at how much value it delivers for a family SUV. Typically, we would expect many of the materials and features of the SUV to run around the $40k mark and we were shocked our test model came in at $28,500 with destination charges.
If you are looking for a luxury SUV, but don’t want to pay the high price tag, check out the 2015 Nissan Rogue. You will likely be pleasantly surprised.
2015 Nissan Rogue SV AWD Specs:
Engine: 2.5L in-line four-cylinder
Power: 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: Xtronic with Sport and Eco Mode switches (CVT)
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
