2016 Nissan Rogue Review

The Nissan Rogue, which was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, continues to challenge convention with bold emotive styling, a premium interior created with comfort and multi-tasking in mind, and an array of available affordable technologies. Rogue offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, along with exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility with its innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ and Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System.

Since its launch, Rogue has been named to several “Best SUV,” “Best Family Car” and “Best Value” lists by leading consumer and automotive online media organizations, including one of 2015’s “10 Best All-wheel-drive Vehicles Under $25,000” by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. It was also named a 2015 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2015 model year. Rogue remains Nissan’s second best-selling model in the U.S. lineup.

Now, for the 2016 model year, Rogue adds a number of significant features to its list of available technologies, including Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and NissanConnect℠ Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). Rogue is also the first model in Nissan’s lineup to offer Siri® Eyes Free, which allows drivers to interact with Siri® on their compatible Apple iPhone®.

Other available technologies includes NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, class-exclusive Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) and radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

Other 2016 enhancements include one new exterior color, Magnetic Black, and the addition of a new Appearance Package for Rogue S models with body-colored outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, chrome door handles roof rails and privacy glass.

Robust Exterior, Inviting Interior

Rogue’s dynamic exterior combines a premium, high-quality look and feel without compromising the functional aspects that are so important to owners in this class. Rogue offers a compact overall size and ample interior roominess, thanks to its long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs – aided by details such as wide opening (77 degrees) rear doors for easier entry and exit to the rear passenger space.

Rogue’s bold, sharp bodylines offer a sporty and confident appearance, balancing its sleek style with an aggressive stance provided by large wheelwells and available 18-inch wheels and tires.

The coefficient of drag of 0.33 was created by optimizing the A-pillar section and outside mirror shapes, which also helps reduce wind noise. Turbulence behind the body has been reduced (versus the previous generation) through optimization of the rear roof spoiler, rear side spoiler and rear combination lights. Underbody aerodynamic devices include a rear bumper closing panel, fuel tank deflector, rear suspension cover, engine under cover and front tire deflectors.

Exterior highlights include standard halogen headlights with signature LED daytime running lights, which make a powerful visual statement. Also featured are body-color outside mirrors with available integrated turn signals and a rear spoiler. Also available are LED headlights, fog lights, privacy glass, roof rails, heated outside mirrors and power liftgate.

Rogue’s available power panoramic moonroof offers a wide view of the outside world through its extended length. The front glass panel slides and tilts, while the rear glass panel is fixed. When in the open position, the front panel slides under the fixed second panel.

The 2016 Rogue is offered in eight exterior colors: Midnight Jade, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Cayenne Red and new Arctic Blue Metallic, Pearl White, Glacier White and new Magnetic Black.

The 2016 Rogue is offered with standard 2-row/5-passenger seating and optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, which is possible thanks to its interior packaging efficiency. Among the many interior highlights are its exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility with its EZ Flex® seating System. Rogue also offers an innovative Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System that provides 18 adjustable variations (two-row models) between the cargo and occupant areas – including out-of-sight storage and a lower deck to handle taller items.

Rogue’s comfortable, inviting interior offers unexpected roominess, along with a marriage of refined styling and premium comfort. Rogue features ample interior roominess and 70.0 cubic feet of cargo room (rear seats folded down). The front bucket seats are a special Zero Gravity design. Similar to the Nissan Altima sedan’s noteworthy front seats, the articulated seat shape provides continuous support from the pelvis to the chest, helping optimize comfort and reduce fatigue. The driver’s seat is 6-way adjustable, with available power adjustment including lumbar support, while the front passenger seat is 4-way adjustable.

The available Quick Comfort™ heated front seats are designed to immediately begin warming the body parts that are most sensitive to heat, such as the thighs and hips. Then, to maintain a warm, cozy feeling, the heater increases heating on body pressure points. Heated cloth front seats are available as part of the SV Premium Package. Leather-appointed seats are standard on SL models. With Rogue’s innovative EZ Flex® Seating System, every seat except the driver’s easily folds down. The front passenger seat folds rearwards, allowing transport of long items such as an 8-foot ladder when combined with the flat folding 40/20/40-split 2nd row seat.

The optional stadium-style, flat-fold 3rd row 50/50-split bench seat enhances Rogue’s outstanding passenger versatility. Rogue offers 37.9 inches of 2nd row legroom with its 9.0 inches of fore/aft adjustability.

The Rogue interior design also offers a range of smart storage and convenience solutions, with six front storage areas (five within the driver’s reach), two front cupholders and two front bottle holders.

Other standard interior features include standard SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, front center console, power windows with driver’s auto up/down, 5.0-inch center meter color display (Advanced Driver Assist™ Display), air conditioning with microfilter and adjustable 2nd row vents, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio input jack, power door locks with auto-locking feature, LED maplights, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant (compatible smartphone required). Also available are dual-zone automatic air conditioning, leather-appointed seats, and Bose® audio system with nine speakers. Two interior colors are offered: Charcoal and Almond.

Available Rogue connected technology and smartphone integration includes standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps, the advanced NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with 7.0-inch color touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, NavTraffic and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

Available for the first time with Rogue is NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). Standard on Rogue SL models, the system features automatic collision notification, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). It also allows the driver to set customized alerts for family and friends, such as speed, curfew and boundary notifications.

Also available for the first time is Siri® Eyes Free, which makes it easy to make and receive calls, read and send text messages and emails, select and play music from a compatible device, read notifications, request directions and more.

In addition, Rogue offers available class-exclusive Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) system utilizes four small wide-angle cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle to provide a “bird’s eye” virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle. It provides additional selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear and curb views, helping the driver maneuver the car in or out of tight spots.

Moving Object Detection builds on the capabilities of the AVM system, helping enhance the driver’s situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings if the system detects large moving objects around the vehicle in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space.

Using sophisticated image processing technology, the system detects moving objects within the “bird’s-eye view” when the vehicle is in Park or Neutral. When starting off or backing up, it detects moving objects crossing within either the front or rear views. Other Rogue Safety Shield technologies include radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

Confidence-Inspiring Driving

Every 2016 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a responsive 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with an advanced Xtronic transmission with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches. The Eco setting helps customers easily realize the vehicle’s maximum fuel efficiency by changing acceleration pedal feel and illuminating an icon on the meter to inform customers they are in that mode.

With a 40 percent reduction (versus previous generation) in friction loss, along with an improved belt and pulley system, reduced oil churning friction, compact oil pump, new electronic control, wider gear ratio and other enhancements, the Xtronic transmission is approximately 10 percent more efficient than the previous-generation design.

Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined for front-wheel drive CVT-equipped models. Rogue AWD models are rated at 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.

Rogue also features Nissan’s suite of confidence-inspiring dynamic technologies with Active Trace Control, Active Engine Braking and Active Ride Control. The Active Trace Control system utilizes Rogue’s standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes or smoothing engine torque characteristics while accelerating.

With Active Engine Braking, the CVT helps slow the Rogue as the driver brakes, resulting in less brake effort by the driver. Active Ride Control helps smooth out the drive by automatically applying the brakes and adjusting engine torque after the vehicle hits a bump, reducing the typical “head bobble” pitch for all occupants.

The 2016 Rogue also offers standard 4-wheel independent suspension, Electric Power-assisted Steering, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Start Assist. Rogue is available with a choice of front-wheel drive or an intuitive All-Wheel Drive system with standard Hill Descent Control.

Rogue S models are equipped with 17-inch wheels and 225/65R17 all-season tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard on Rogue SV. Also available are 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R18 all-season tires on Rogue SL models.

Safety and security features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; 3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

Every Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with position monitoring and Nissan’s innovative, class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert.

Three Well-Equipped Models

The 2016 Nissan Rogue comes in three well-equipped models, S, SV and SL, each in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Along with the long list of standard features found on Rogue S, the Rogue SV adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, 6-way power driver’s seat and power driver’s seat lumbar support. The Rogue SV also includes two additional audio system speakers, roof rails and Smart Auto on/off headlights.

Rogue SL models include Quick Comfort™ heated leather-appointed front seats, Bose® audio system with nine speakers, NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 7.0-inch QVGA color touchscreen display, and NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

Rogue SL models also include standard Siri® Eyes Free, power liftgate, Around View® Monitor (AVM), 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, heated outside mirrors and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Available option packages include the Family Package (S, SV) with 3rd row seating, privacy glass (S only) and run flat tires; the Appearance Package (S) with roof rails, privacy glass, body-color outside door mirrors with integrated turn signals and chrome outside door handles; the Moonroof Package (SV) with power panoramic moonroof; the Premium Package (SV) with NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, Siri® Eyes Free, Around View® Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and power liftgate; and the Premium Package (SL) with power panoramic moonroof, LED headlights, Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection.

The 2016 Nissan Rogue is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee and Busan, Korea.

2016 Nissan Rogue Specifications

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Pricing