2012 Nissan Rogue Review
The 2012 Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that accommodates 5 and is offered in 2 trim levels, S and SV. The Rogue is powered by a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 170hp/175lb-ft of torque and is available with either FWD or AWD. The entry level S is equipped with standard options such as cruise control, full power accessories, trip computer and more. There is a new Special Edition Package available for the Rogue S that adds many upgrades and features; most of these features come standard on the SV model. The SV also has 2 available options packages to further customize the Rogue with many high-tech and luxury features.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
Buyers in the market for a fun-to-drive, comfortable crossover SUV with an unusually nice and well-appointed cabin should put the Nissan Rogue at the top of their shopping list.
What’s New For 2012:
The 2012, Nissan Rogue received a Special Edition Trim Package, as well as a 360-degree view camera and new wheel designs.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Nissan Rogue received a very good overall score of 73, compared to the lowest scoring vehicle in the small SUV category with a 27. High marks were awarded for its very good fuel economy, supple ride, split-folding backseat, controls and transmission performance. In J.D. Power and Associates initial quality study based from owner-reported issues, the Nissan Rogue received an overall initial quality rating of 2.5 out of a possible 5, with an impressive 4.5 for powertrain mechanical quality.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
In safety testing conducted by IIHS, the Nissan Rogue received the highest score “Good” in side crash testing and frontal offset, with a score of “Acceptable” in roof strength tests. In government testing the NHTSA awarded the Rogue an overall score of 4 Stars out of 5 possible, with 5 for side impact crashes. The Rogue is equipped with safety features including stability control, front-seat side/full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and more.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ A comfortable, fun to drive crossover
+ High quality interior
+ Provides a smooth ride
Cons
– Could use more cargo room
– No option for a V6
– Rear visibility limited
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Nissan Rogue has a slightly lower starting price than the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV, as well as has the only continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy between the competitors is close across the board with the Rogue and RAV4 offering ratings of 23MPG city/28MPG highway and the CRV coming in with slightly higher highway ratings of 23MPG city/31MPG highway. The Rogue is powered by a 170hp engine, with the RAV4 having a bit more power at 179hp and the CRV with the more powerful engine in this comparison with 185 horses. All three offer basic warranties of 3years/36,000 miles.
What Others Are Saying:
"The Rogue moved through traffic well and impressed with its nimble character as it wound around multi-level parking garages with ease, slipped into parking spaces easily and felt "right sized" overall.’ – The San Jose Mercury News
"The 2012 Nissan Rogue is perfectly fine in every way: neither amazing nor awful, neither well-equipped nor Spartan. But where it counts — price and fuel economy — it beats the average." – VroomGirls
Read more about the 2012 Nissan Rogue, at the Nissan manufacturer site.
