2014 Nissan Rogue SL FWD

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Based in the Nissan Sentra, the Rogue was introduce as a compact SUV during the 2008 model year, and now with the 2014 model, it is receiving the first major upgrade.  This 2nd generation of the Rogue continues the tradition of bringing new features and appointments into the very competitive compact SUV segment.  This ‘we try harder’ development attitude has turned the Rogue into the second bestselling vehicle in the Nissan lineup, only behind the popular Altima.  With a sleek exterior that stays away from the boxy SUV look without going over the edge an extreme roller coaster style, the Rogue maintains a classy curvature sport style that evokes a look of being more CUV than SUV.  New features in technology, storage options, and the availability of a third row seating area that probably shouldn’t really be called a seat continue to keep the Rogue a strong segment performer.

The exterior of the Rogue receives an update across the grille area that includes new halogen headlamps and LED daytime running lamps.  The wider body lines allow for a sport look is further enhanced with the wide hood fender appearing wider than they are.  The body color side mirrors have integrated turn signals and the flowing roof lines lead to the rear spoiler providing an improvement in aerodynamics that translates into fuel economy improvements.

The interior of the 2014 Rogue also gets a makeover with additional soft touch materials, carbon fiber trim pieces, and new technology that is very much based on trim levels and packages. The base models use a quality cloth for the seats while upper trim levels offer leather as standard materials. The wide rear doors offer access to the rear passenger area with more leg room due to the increase in wheel base and a rear passenger seat that will move fore and aft, although the overall body length is shortened. The 60/40 rear seat will fold flat providing more cargo space and when combined with the front passenger seat that will also fold flat it is possible to hold cargo items up to 8-feet in length.  There is also a new cargo storage solution behind the rear passenger seat on the five passenger models that provides adjustable levels of cargo storage as well as some under floor dry storage that Nissan says can be configured 18 ways, although we stopped at five.

Under the hood of the 2014 Nissan Rogue is the naturally aspirated 2.5L inline four that is backed by the Xtronic (CVT) transmission that Nissan does so well.  This is the only engine and transmission combination available, including the AWD models.  The EPA rates this system at 26 mg city and 33 mpg on the highway for FWD, while the AWD gets rated at 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

On a highway run down IH10 to San Antonio, the Rogue proved to be more car-like on the road than a SUV.  Across a variety of road surfaces, the Rogue maintained a level of quietness that was only noticeably disturbed when the traffic flow reached excessive speeds.  It should be noted the Rogue had no issue in speed creep to keep up with the flow, however the CVT effect was noticeable during passing at higher speeds.  In the city environment, the Rogue provided a responsive driver experience that has ample power for a daily driver.

Pricing Notes on the 2014 Nissan Rogue SL FWD 
Beginning with a base model FWD model, the 2014 Nissan Rogue is available at an MSRP of $23,350 and goes up by trim level from there, with AWD adding $1,350 on any level.  The Rogue SL FWD under review started with a MSRP of $28,070 and received an additional $2,115 in available options in the SL Premium Package.  Adding in the destination and handling charges of $860, the 2014 Nissan Rogue SL FWD rolled into the drive with a MSRP of $31,045.

Other vehicles in the segment include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, the Ford Escape., Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sportage.

For more information on the 2014 Nissan Rogue SL FWD visit your local Nissan dealer on online atwww.nissanusa.com