2019 Nissan Rogue SL Platinum AWD Review
Intro
The compact SUV market has exploded in the past few years and Nissan Rogue had been Nissan's best selling model since 2012. I contribute the success of the Nissan Rogue to the perfect combination of comfort, efficiency, utility, and affordability. In 2019, Nissan had given the Rogue significant upgrades in terms of safety features to make sure it stays competitive in this increasingly crowded segment. I was excited to see how it competes with the likes of Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Thanks to Nissan Canada, I was loaned the top trim (SL Platinum) 2019 Nissan Rogue for a week to test drive. Below is my unbiased review.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2019 Rogue is bold and youthful. This is especially true for the front fascia. The signature V-motion grille is highlighted by a thick chrome trim to compliment the sharp, angular LED headlights. The Intelligent Auto Headlights also comes with High Beam Assist. Two large fog lights give the Rogue a sporty, off-road vibe.
The side profile of the Rogue is more curvaceous. Prominent wheel arches makes the 19" alloy wheels look even more aggressive. The window opening is high, and sweeps up behind the C pillar to match the angle of the boomerang style LED taillight.
That taillights wrap around the back and cut into the power lift gate for a integrated look. The power lift gate can be activated by simply placing a foot underneath the bumper briefly. This allows for hands free operation when both of your hands are tied up after a grocery run
The exterior of the 2019 Nissan Rogue may not be as handsome as the Mazda CX-5, but it is nevertheless an attractive design.. The youthful look would make the Rogue more attractive to younger buyers, and the functional aspects of the design should be appropriated by more mature audiences.
Interior
The interior of the 2019 Nissan Rogue stands out as a comfortable, and premium place to be. The premium look is further enhanced with the $500 reserve interior package that features tan leather appointed seats and quilted inserts.
The NASA inspired zero gravity seats are supportive and comfortable even for long drives, and high quality soft-touch materials are generously appointed throughout the cabin, Where there are hard plastics, they are textured to look expensive.
The flat-bottom leather steering wheel is fully adjustable and feels good in your hands. It also heats up quickly on those cold winter days. The visibility from the driver's seat is great except for the obvious blind spots behind the C pillars.
Both legroom and headroom are good for the front cabin. They are also above average for the rear row. The optional panoramic sunroof in our SL tester makes the already spacious cabin feels even roomier.
I really enjoyed the interior design of the Rogue. Nissan delivered a premium cabin that is both functional and good looking at the same time.
Infotainment
The Rogue's infotainment system is centered around a 7-inch touch screen that is docked inside the center console. It is a tad on the small side, but the interface is responsive and menu is easy to nevigate. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and I really appreciate the redundant physical audio and climate control switch-gears. I like the fact that Nissan includes a 360 around view camera system to the Rogue, but the resolution of the cameras can really use some improvements.
The information display between the two dials in the instrument panel is clear and functional, but it is on the small side as well. The control buttons on the steering wheel is nicely laid out and much better than the ones I saw in the Pathfinder.
Our SL Platinum trim tester comes equipped with a Bose nine-speaker premium audio system that sounds fantastic. It is further complimented by the soft ride and quiet interior.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Nissan has included a slew of safety features and driver assists for the 2019 Rogue.
The following essential safety features are standard for all trims:
- Intelligent Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The following advanced features are optional for SV trim and standard for SL:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Intelligent Lane Intervention (Standard for both trims)
- Rear Intelligent Emergency Braking
- ProPILOT Assist
- Intelligent Cruise Control (Standard for both trims)
Driving
All 2019 Rogue models are equipped with a 2.5L V4 with Xtronic CVT. The Engine produces 170 hp of horsepower and 175 lb.ft. of torque. The engine itself is responsive and the CVT is performing above average. The CVT simulates gear shifts at predetermined shift points to give the Rogue a more dynamic drive. However, there is a noticeable lag between pressing on the gas pedal and feeling the power delivered to the wheels. The CVT also limits the towing capacity of the Rogue to only 1000lb.
The intelligent AWD system of our tester handles the road in confidence inspiring fashions. Coupled with the rear multi-link / front independent suspension system, the Rogue provides a soft, comfortable ride that keeps the body roll to an acceptable level in corners as well. It also handled the snowy roads of Vancouver admirably without the snow tires.
For those looking for a sporty ride, the 2019 Nissan Rogue is not the one for you. The easy steering doesn't provide much feedback to the driver, and a bigger engine option would certainly make the Rogue more appealing. The fuel economy rating of the AWD version is 9.6 city, 7.5 highway and 8.7 L/100km combined.
Cargo Space & Storage
This is the area where the 2019 Rogue shines. It has 39.3 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the 2nd row seats. With the 40/20/40 2nd row seats folded flat, the cargo space is increased to 70 cu.ft. Moreover, the front passenger seat folds rearward, allowing transport of long items such as an 8-foot lumber.
The innovative Divide-N-Hide Cargo System provides 18 adjustable variations between the cargo and occupant areas. When the retractable trunk cover is not in use, it can be stored under the cargo floor.
The in cabin storage options are also above average. The storage compartment under the front armrest is large and deep, and the rear passengers also enjoy a fold-down armrest with integrated cup holders. The rear door side pockets are on the small side with the capacity for only one water bottle.
Verdict
Building on the success of previous generations of Rogue, Nissan continues to implement its winning strategy with the 2019 model. That is to offer a car that is comfortable, efficient, practical, and affordable. On top of that, Nissan has given the Rogue a stylish exterior, a premium interior, and an impressive list of safety features. If you are a car enthusiast, and are willing to sacrifice a little bit of practicality for a responsive ride, than the Mazda CX-5 would be more suited for you. For everyone else, the 2019 Nissan Rogue offers tremendous value for the price. Judging from the number for the new Rogues on the road, I think many Canadian consumers agree.
Test Vehicle
2019 Rogue SL Platinum AWD
MSRP
$39,993CAD with Freight & PDE
Color
Pearl White
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