Nissan Rogue

2012 Nissan Rogue FWD 4-door SV Angular Front Exterior View

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Shopping for a 2012 Nissan Rogue? MSRP: $22,070 - $29,710

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The Nissan Rogue is a compact, economical crossover vehicle, and is an alternative to vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Hyundai Tucson.

First introduced for 2008, the Rogue is entirely carlike and makes no claims to be an off-road vehicle, or to be especially rugged. With styling that's also more carlike than most other utility vehicles—including a front end that more closely matches that of Nissan's cars, smooth sides, and an almost vanlike rear design—the Rogue looks a bit more like a tall station wagon.

A 170-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and continuously variable (CVT) automatic is the only powertrain combination offered on the Rogue, though it can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. As such, the Rogue can move quite quickly if you need it, but it isn't particularly inspiring to drive. Some Rogues get steering-wheel paddles that might improve the experience somewhat on hilly or curvy roads. The Rogue is based on the same underpinnings as the Sentra sedan, but it doesn't take full advantage of the Sentra's chassis; handling is also more on the soft side, though, and it's clear that the focus for the Rogue is on affordable, economical, and comfortable transportation for small families, and for those looking for a low-cost sedan or minivan replacement.

To that degree, the Rogue fits the bill. There's room for five inside, though three adults will have to rub shoulders a bit in the back row; the back seats can also adjust for rake—for best comfort, or to help fit cargo, and when needed the back seats fold flat. There's also a very useful cargo organizer. Ride comfort is pretty impressive, and the Rogue doesn't have the choppy, pitchy feel that sometimes plagues taller, shorter vehicles; however, the interior isn't that well insulated from road noise. Fuel economy, at up to 23 mpg city, 28 highway, is quite good, and from the experience of our editors you're likely to see the high end of that in most combined driving.

Affordability and features for the money is again a compelling reason to consider the Rogue. Cruise control and a nice audio system with steering-wheel controls are standard, and the SL presents options like leather seats, Bluetooth, and the Intelligent Key system. Fully loaded, the Rogue is still under $30,000. For 2010, a new 360 Value Package brought alloy wheels, a chrome grille, and other extras to the base S model, while a Krom appearance package gives the whole aftermarket accessorized look—showy wheels, sporty center exhaust, tinted glass, and all. A very mild makeover came in the 2011 model year; for the 2012 model year, the Rogue is essentially unchanged.