2013 Rogue SV FWD

The feeling of innovation

2013 Nissan Rogue (Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom)

The Nissan Rogue is versatile, with thoughtful technology and an average EPA fuel-economy rating of 25 mpg. My weekly drive gave me a highway mpg of 28. 

The Rogue comes in two trims with the SV being the most expensive. In fact, it costs just a little more than the S trim. I recommend the SV because of the loads of technology for a reasonable retail price of $24,750.

The Rogue is known for some of the best automotive technology in the industry. Rearview monitor, 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with a 4.3” color display, USB connectivity, and XM satellite radio are standard on the SV. There are large knobs for entering settings, and you can control a connected iPod with the illuminated audio control buttons on the steering wheel.

Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry and navigation system get you in quickly while taking you to your destination in style. The cabin is roomy and feels luxurious with comfortable seats plus a steering wheel that is mounted on a tilt steering column. The 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support envelops you in comfort while positioning you toward a good driving mood. The fold-down front passenger seat allows you to place boxes up front near at hand for quick unloading or close monitoring during travel. 

Roof rails offer extra tie-down options like bikes and skis, or anything that might not fit into the 57.9 cu. ft. cargo space with the second-row seat down inside the Rogue (60/40 split).

The road really becomes your friend. With the 2.5 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine putting down 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. torque, mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) with sport mode, it gets you up and down the road painlessly. Not to mention the 400 miles you get per tank of gas. So whether you are scooting in and out of traffic or letting the hammer down on a straightaway, the Rogue will fit your needs perfectly.

However, there is little open space for storage inside the Rogue except for a couple of beverage holders. But there is a huge glove compartment. There is even room for your laptop, while a separate pocket helps keep items like a phone from going astray. Personally, I liked the spacious center console. Just place your items inside for easy reach. There is also a cargo area storage tray under the floor. 

The 17” aluminum-alloy wheels, body-color power outside mirrors, and body-color rear spoiler are appealing and offer good looks at the approach, while passing, and going beyond. 

There is an optional SL package that includes all SV equipment plus leather-appointed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also includes an Around View Monitor that gives you not one but four wide-angle cameras as your helpful spotters to make parallel parking easy. All these features plus fog lights, navigation system with 3-month NavTraffic trial subscription through SiriusXM, Bose audio system, and 18” aluminum-alloy wheels will add an additional $4,000 to the Rogue’s cost.

There is little I could find wrong with the Nissan Rogue, but more cabin open space would be nice. The 4.3” color display is much too small for the driver to read at a quick glance. 

I would recommend the Rogue as the perfect vehicle for the college-bound student. Standard features like Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Anti-lock Brake System, and Brake Assist are just some of the things that contribute to the driver’s safety. 

Nissan’s sales led by vehicles like Rogue were up 22 percent in August to nearly 45,000 units. If this trend continues with other brands, the industry is on pace to sell 16 million cars this year. 

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at [email protected]