PRICE : For 2014 Nissan Rogue $22,490
As small crossovers go, the Nissan Rogue is a relative newcomer. The original model debuted just six years ago, and for 2014, Nissan has rolled out version 2.0 of the Rogue. In general, we thought pretty highly of the first-generation Nissan Rogue, praising its style, driving dynamics and cabin quality relative to the competition. Nissan is, of course, hoping to keep its upward momentum going on the fully redesigned model. In addition to offering better fuel economy, an available third-row seat and more technology features, the 2014 Nissan Rogue remedies some of the key deficiencies on the original version.
One of our criticisms of last year's Rogue concerned its modest 59.7-cubic-foot cargo capacity. The 2014 Rogue can swallow a class-competitive 70 cubes, and an innovative "Divide-N-Hide" configurable rear storage system is available. We also noted that the second-row seat didn't slide or recline in earlier Nissan Rogues, but this year it does both, with a useful 40/20/40-split configuration thrown in for good measure. Even better, Nissan added an optional third-row seat, a particularly shrewd move given that the Toyota RAV4 no longer offers one. Remarkably, all of this was accomplished without major increases to the Rogue's overall size or weight.
Under the hood of the 2014 Rogue, things are more familiar. Nissan's compact crossover carries on with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (generating 170 horsepower) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain still leaves something to be desired in the refinement department, as the CVT exacerbates the engine's noisy nature at high rpm. However, with a 28 mpg combined EPA estimate even with all-wheel drive, the Rogue is one of the most frugal non-hybrid small crossovers you can buy.
Despite the 2014 Nissan Rogue's improvements, there are rival crossovers that outdo it in specific areas. If you want more power, for example, the Rogue's got nothing for you, but the 2014 Kia Sorento boasts a robust V6 as well as a third-row seat of its own. Another mild disappointment is the new Rogue's softened suspension, which yields tepid handling compared to the sporty and similarly fuel-efficient 2014 Mazda CX-5. You might also consider a trip to your Hyundai dealer, where the two-row 2014 Santa Fe Sport promises superior performance and a unique sense of style.
Here's the genius of the redesigned Nissan Rogue, though: It may not be the best at everything, but its broader range of talents seems destined to draw more interest than ever before. Most compact-crossover shoppers will want to give the 2014 Rogue a look.
EXTERIOR
Premium surfacing is a nice touch and has a smooth flow that barely seems like it is made of metal. The most striking aspect is the new nose, with a deep chrome V forming the primary grille that is now much slimmer than before. The Rogue’s headlights are also shifted from their vertical orientation on the old model to a now horizontal layout. Sharp edges the the lights show off the LED accent that lines the inner and bottom edges.
Running parallel with the glint of a reflection off the chrome grille, the white LED check marks in each corner of the Rogue’s nose are a fantastic addition and way to give the crossover some major road presence. LED headlights are optional, as are fog lights down below.
Some premium sill and fender ribbing echoes the BMW X5 among others, and the standard 17-inch wheels make this affordable crossover seem far more expensive than it is.
2014 Nissan Rogue - Standard Exterior Features :
► Emotive design with no functional compromise (interior roominess, visibility)
► Halogen headlights with auto off function, standard LED daytime running lights
► Wide opening 2nd row doors for easy ingress/egress
► Body color outside mirrors with integrated turn signals
► Rear spoiler
► PURE DRIVE badge
► 0.33 coefficient of drag
► Eight available exterior colors: Midnight Jade, Saharan Sun, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Cayenne Red, Moonlight White and Graphite Blue
INTERIOR
The front seats are also impressive. They're the same "zero gravity" seats used in the Nissan Altima, and they offer greater levels of support and long-distance comfort than the Rogue's competitors. That's especially important because the seats adjust only six ways.
The second row offers plenty of room for two and three will fit in a pinch. The seat slides fore and aft up to six inches, so occupants can choose to maximize legroom or cargo room. Oddly, while the competitors have dropped their 7-seat option, Nissan adds an available third row for 2014. It's reasonably priced and included in the Family Package, but it's only useful for kids. Plus, to allow enough room for anyone to be comfortable back there, the first and second rows have to be moved forward, limiting legroom for everyone.
► THIRD ROW :
Nissan openly admits the cramped third row is just an "occasional seat" best suited for children, but this describes most third-row accommodations in vehicles of this size. Of course, cargo room suffers with that third row in place as there's only 9.4 cubic feet available. Fold both rows down and the Rogue opens up to offer 70 cubic feet of total space.
Stick with the two-row Rogue and you get the benefit of Nissan's new Divide-N-Hide cargo system. This rather ingenious two-piece cargo compartmentalization offers 18 configurations. It allows you to separate out wet and dirty boots and clothes, hold groceries in place and even offers a three-tiered shelving system, if you include the underfloor storage.
SPECIFICATION
► Year:2014
► Make:Nissan
► Model:Rogue
► Price:$22490
► Engine:inline-4
► Transmission:Xtronic CVT Auto
► Horsepower @ RPM:170
► MPG(Cty):26
► MPG(Hwy):33
► Torque @ RPM:175
► Displacement:2.5 L
► 0-60 time:7.8 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:118 mph (Est.)
► Layout:Front-engine, Front-drive (AWD Opt.)
FEATURES
The base Rogue S starts from a very reasonable $22,490, not including destination charges, and comes with all the features most drivers need to plug and play it into their garages. It gets power windows, locks, and mirrors; an AM/FM/CD player with a USB port; Bluetooth with audio streaming; and a rearview camera. Add all-wheel drive, and the price rises to $23,840 before destination.
On five-seat models, the Rogue comes with the Divide-N-Hide cargo storage system. The third-row seat is offered only on the Rogue S and Rogue SV.
The $24,230 Rogue SV ($25,580 with AWD) gains 17-inch wheels; satellite radio; a power driver seat; automatic climate control; pushbutton start; and NissanConnect, which enables use of smartphone apps like Pandora. This connectivity kit is one of the easier systems you'll find in the class, with more limited functionality but plainer operation than the befuddled Ford setup, for example.
For $28,070 ($29,420 with AWD), the Rogue SL gets Bose audio; navigation; a power tailgate; surround-view cameras, one of our must-have features now that's it's spread outside the Nissan/Infiniti empire; 18-inch wheels; heated front seats; and leather upholstery.
Options on the 2014 Rogue include third-row seating on base and SV models; run-flat tires; a panoramic sunroof; those advanced-safety features; and LED headlights.
TECHNOLOGY
But only on the Rogue SL ($3800 over SV for leather, navigation, Bose audio, and bigger wheels) and its Premium Package ($2000) do you complete the technology suite, with forward collision warning and self-leveling LED headlamps, plus a moonroof. Since the moonroof is $1300 on its own and LED headlamps aren’t cheap, that suggests the FCW component costs buyers $200-$300. At that price, it could have been offered on the mid-range Rogue SV.
ON THE ROAD
At its best, Nissan adds a sporty flair to common products. The Pathfinder is one such vehicle, but the Rogue is not, which doesn't bode well for future Nissan and Renault products on the Common Module Family platform upon which the Rogue is based. The ride is generally comfortable, but handling is dull and interior noise is problematic. While handling is somewhat carlike, the Rogue has a tendency to understeer (push forward rather than rotate when driven hard into a turn). That doesn't make the driving experience bad — it's just not rewarding.
Nissan provides a system called active trace control to help the vehicle on its intended path during aggressive maneuvers, but it's only mildly effective. It amounts to brake torque vectoring that applies the inside brakes in turns to help the vehicle rotate, but it can't overcome the Rogue's inherent tendency to understeer and it doesn't add any fun factor. The steering doesn't help, either. It's artificially heavy but a bit slow and it offers little road feel.
The noise issues are due to a combination of drivetrain choice and not quite enough sound deadener. The Rogue uses Nissan's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. This provides adequate acceleration, but it's not peppy enough. Nissan isn't quoting zero-to-60 mph figures, but it's likely in the 9.5- to 10-second range, which is a bit slow for the class. Some rivals offer turbocharged 4-cylinder engines that are considerably quicker.
The CVT responds quickly enough to tap into the limited power the Roque has, but with no fixed gear ratios it sends the revs up high and keeps them there during acceleration. The result is an engine moan that owners might find annoying, especially when they've heard it for the umpteenth time. Ruts and bumps also cause crashing sounds...SEE ALL PHOTOS
SUSPENSION & BRAKE
The powertrains of the Rogue are the most carryover feature versus the groundbreaking exterior style and optional third row of seats inside. This is a machine that appeals to the core volume market, meaning an automatic transmission driving the front wheels with a four-cylinder engine is the standard setup.
AWD is optional on all trim levels, and the Rogue now puts out more power for a slightly quicker 7.8-second projected 60 mph sprint. The standard 2.5-liter engine produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, which is up slightly versus last year.
The automatic is still a CVT, but Nissan is making big claims about its usability, performance and efficiency. This "next-gen" Xtronic CVT promises a 40-percent reduction in friction losses and a 10-percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
The friction losses stat is the most important, because it refers to a CVT automatic’s ability to channel torque directly to the drive wheels without being reduced or ‘overspun’ (that irritating drone as the CVT absorbs engine power, then slowly meters it out to the wheels.) The new Xtronic box also promises a standard sport mode to go with the new configurable dynamics settings.
Much as the CVT is not a favorite of die-hard car guys, it is a perfect match for the Rogue’s target market. It also delivers class-leading mpg scores, with Nissan projecting 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the front-drive models.
COMFORT & QUALITY
With just marginal growth in wheelbase (up just 0.6 inches), the 2014 Nissan Rogue hasn't gained a lot of interior room versus the former model, which is now sold as the Rogue Select. That means it's still positioned at the smaller end of the compact-crossover class, but the perception of space and refinement has grown considerably. The Rogue's grown up--it's 1.2 inches taller and the doors open more widely--and it feels more grown-up, too.
As it did with the Altima, Nissan has outfitted the Rogue with very comfortable front seats and a good driving position, with just a touch of the Italianate steering-wheel tilt. Super-dense foam and great sculpting make the Rogue's chairs a place we could sit for a 12-hour road trip, no sweat. The manually adjustable seats add power for the driver on the Rogue SV and SL, but no passenger power seat is available. Instead, the front passenger seat folds down to extend interior cargo storage--you can toss an eight-foot ladder in through the tailgate and it should fit, provided you're driving solo.
The front seats also borrow a page from the Leaf playbook, with optional heating controls that warm up first in more sensitive contact areas.
Adults get ample accommodations in the second row, which slides on a 9-inch track to expand its leg room, reclines for long-distance comfort, and moves up and away behind the front seats for maximum cargo stowage. It's the third row they'll want to avoid: it's barely adequate for small children, and thankfully is an option unavailable on the top Rogue SL.
Both the second and third rows split and fold for flexible cargo space. It's 70 cubic feet in all behind the front seats with other rows folded down; 32 cubic feet behind the second row; and a skimpy 9.4 cubic feet behind the third row.
The third-row seat's such an occasional piece, we'd skip it in favor of the Divide-N-Hide cargo setup that's standard on five-seat models. With reconfigurable panels, you can create stowage boxes and bins in the back to suit whatever task you have, from carrying home ice packs and beverages, to hiding muddy boots until you can hose them off after a hike.
That active-lifestyle dreaming smacks into a more practical, soothing reality inside the Rogue. The cabin's trimmed out in more substantial, better-looking materials than the still-available Rogue Select, the former model carried over for a few more years. The contrast between new and old is stark: one's more plasticky and vaguely futuristic, one's tightly composed from low-gloss plastics and metallic trim.
The low point? Excessive engine noise that's amplified by the way its CVT holds revs in the more vocal part of its powerband.
DRIVETRAIN
From a driving enjoyment standpoint, we're not very fond of the 2014 Nissan Rogue's engine and CVT combo. Stellar fuel economy was the priority in this redesign, and it comes at the expense of rapid acceleration and overall refinement. As such, the engine speed sometimes drops too low for our tastes during gentle cruising, producing unwanted vibrations from the engine compartment that are audible in the Rogue's cabin. Hit the gas for maximum acceleration and the engine speed skyrockets, eliciting an intrusive drone from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Still, the 170-hp Rogue can get out of its own way when necessary, and it's hard to complain too much when you're earning 28 mpg combined.
Unquestionably, the 2014 Nissan Rogue's suspension is tuned for comfort. The ride gets a bit firmer with the SL's standard 18-inch wheels, but smooth and supple remains the order of the day. Fun to drive? Not exactly. The Mazda CX-5 easily retains its title on this front. But for daily driving, the Rogue's relaxed and mostly quiet dynamics are likely to hit the sweet spot for the majority of shoppers. This is a compact crossover that drives more like a midsize one, as families on a budget will be pleased to discover.
ENGINE
The only powerplant offered is a tried and true 2.5-liter four-banger. As before, it puts out 170 horsepower with 175 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are competitive, if unimpressive.
2014 Nissan Rogue Review04The engine may be essentially carryover but quite a few changes have been made to the transmission. If you were hoping for a stepped-gear unit opposed to the continuously variable trans installed in today’s Rogue you’re going to be sorely disappointed; the ’14 vintage still has a CVT, but it’s been refined in a number of ways.
The biggest news has to do with efficiency. Frictional losses in this gearless cog-box have been slashed by 40 percent, which results in 10 percent better overall petroleum efficiency. Sixty percent of the time it works every time!
PERFORMANCE
The Rogue returns with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in the first-generation crossover. Power output's still fixed at 170 horsepower, though Nissan says 175 pound-feet of torque put the Rogue at the top of the compact-crossover niche.
Dip deeply into the gas, and the Rogue's CVT modulates the gaps between its pulleys to simulate an automatic with an infinite set of gears. It's quicker and smoother to do that, but the Rogue doesn't have fixed ratio points--"gears"--or shift paddles to reach them, like our current CVT favorite from the Subaru Forester. The result is mediocre, 8-second acceleration to 60 mph, and a noisy pause at the productive end of the Rogue's powerband. It's actually more refined in some ways than the prior Rogue, but compared to turbocharged four-cylinders and automatics in the Santa Fe, Escape, and others, it's less satisfying.
Where the Rogue makes up serious ground is in gas mileage and handling. The EPA rates both front-drive and all-wheel-drive Rogues at 28 mpg combined, with the front-drive model earning a 33-mpg highway rating.
Just as impressive is the Rogue's transformed road feel, more secure and substantial than it had been. Electric power steering isn't the curse here that it is in some compact cars: it doesn't wander and hunt on grooved concrete, and takes to changes with smooth responses. The suspension's independent all around, and ride quality is very controlled--bordering on firm.
It's augmented electronically with new stability-control logic. In one application, it damps the accelerator to smooth out the ride over bumps (instead of surging over them). In another, it clamps the inside front brake in corners to draw the Rogue through them more nimbly. The effects can't really be sensed without comparing the same Rogue, disabled, though.
Seventeen-inch wheels with all-season tires are standard; 18-inchers are an option on the top Rogue SL
EQUIPMENTS
► Standard Equipment:
For 2014, the basic Nissan Rogue S includes a multi-information display, 60/40-split rear seatbacks, a handy under-floor storage compartment, and a 4-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio port. SV models add a power-adjustable driver's seat, premium fabric seating surfaces and a 6-speaker audio system with a 5.0-inch full color display and a USB port for portable music systems. A standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel lets you fine tune your driving position even closer to ideal. Standard safety equipment is comparable to most other small SUVs, but not exceptional.
► Optional Equipment:
With the majority of its feature content bundled into packages, including an expanded array of electronic safety features, the main individual options available for the 2014 Nissan Rogue are an enlarged panoramic moonroof, 7-passenger seating, Bluetooth, and all-wheel drive. S models offer a Special Edition Package comprised of 16-inch alloy wheels, a mid-grade audio system and a rear backup camera. Available on SV trims, the SL Package includes 18-inch alloys, navigation, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system, Nissan's exclusive Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and leather seats.
SAFETY
The Rogue comes standard with stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera and hill-start assist. The all-wheel-drive system adds hill descent control.
Additional safety features are available. The Around View camera system gives you a top-down 360-degree view of the Rogue's surroundings when parking, and it can be upgraded with a warning system that notifies you when moving objects enter the camera system's view. Also optional are a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system and a forward collision warning system.
2014 Nissan Rogue - Standard Safety Features:
► Standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
► Standard front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
► Standard roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
► 3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors
► LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
► Child safety rear door locks
► Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone
► Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
► Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with position monitoring
► VStandard Easy Fill Tire Alert system
FUEL ECONOMY
The Nissan Rogue's gas mileage goes up significantly this year, nudging it from the ranks of the mediocre to the top tier of compact to mid-size crossover SUVs.
Last year, the front-wheel-drive Rogue was rated at 23/28 mpg; with all-wheel drive, its numbers fell to 22/26 mpg. That vehicle's still available as the Rogue Select, FYI, in case you're interested in a very low lease payment above fuel economy and crash-test scores.
This year, an optimized CVT and more efficient tires give the Rogue excellent ratings, on either the city or the highway cycles. The EPA certifies the front-drive Rogue at 26 miles per gallon city, 33 miles per gallon highway, or 28 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, the combined number stays the same.
There's no plan for diesel power for the Rogue, as far as we know, and Nissan's hybrid four-cylinder in the new Pathfinder doesn't seem likely, given the Rogue's already impressive fuel economy.
VIDEO ( 2014 NISSAN ROGUE )
Video by : Motormouth Canada
By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars
Posted by :Shahen Tharammal
Wow, so pretty and comfortable, a lof of technology inside and outside, nice SUV, thanks for the information and fot sharing..!! Cars for sale
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete