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Going Rogue in Nissan’s Popular Crossover

January 4, 2019 by admin

Note: Moving forward, Auto Trends will give our recommendation of the trim and packages we think you should consider when shopping for a new car. Although we don’t specifically endorse any model, the fact that a vehicle is reviewed by us means we find it acceptable for your purchase consideration. Look for our concluding “Auto Trends Recommends” paragraph with every review from this point on.



It doesn’t surprise us that in the 2019 Rogue, Nissan maintains its winning formula. And not only that, its top-selling compact SUV benefits from significant updates, with each change made to keep this model at the forefront of consumer purchase decision-making.

As before, Nissan offers the 2019 Rogue in three trims: S ($24,800); SV ($26,220); and SL ($31,390). Add $1,045 for the destination charge and another $1,350 for optional all-wheel drive.

Charting the Changes

After a bunch of updates in 2018, Nissan made several important changes for 2019. Charting the changes is everything related to safety. Specifically, such driver-assist features as lane departure warning, lane intervention, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and high beam assist, all of which are now available on all trims. Further, rear door alert (which reminds passengers of items left in the rear seat) is standard. Also, rear automatic braking and a rear sonar system come standard on the two top trims.

ProPilot Assist, which is Nissan’s semi-autonomous driving system, comes to the middle SV trim under the available Premium ($1,800, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, navigation, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist, heated steering wheel, electronic parking brake, and an around-view monitor)) and Sun and Sound Touring ($3,530) Packages. The latter builds on the first, adding a power panoramic moonroof and a 9-speaker Bose audio system.

2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

You’ll also find a pair of new packages, including the S Special Edition Package ($800, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power-controlled and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, roof rails, heated front seats, and leather and chrome touches). The second one is the SV Premium Package.

On the top SL trim, Nissan offers an SL Premium Package ($1,820, power panoramic moonroof and LED headlights) and a Platinum Reserve Interior Package ($250, leather-trimmed seats with quilted inserts and piano black interior door finishers). Separately, shoppers may opt for fog lamps ($315), which are optional on the S and SV, but included with the SL.

A Matter of Design

It seems hard to believe, but the 2019 Rogue represents the sixth year for this second-generation model. We’re certain Nissan is readying a new model, but the current one has successfully kept up with the times. The overall design mirrors that of other Nissan models with its bold, horse-collar (V motion, internally) grille, firm shoulders, long flowing lines, and clean corners.

The list of standard features includes halogen automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, 17-inch steel wheels, and a rear spoiler. Upgrades include LED headlights, fog lights, aluminum-alloy wheels, power-controlled and heated side mirrors, a power motion-activated liftgate, and a power panoramic moonroof.


See Also — Small Nissan Crossover SUVs: Kicks, Rogue Sport and Rogue


Inside, the Rogue seats five and does so comfortably. Big pluses are its comfortable seats and roomy cargo area, the latter with nearly 40 cubic feet of standard storage space or 70 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. You’ll find some plastics and ample soft-touch materials present, with cloth seats covering most models. We like the layout of the center console with its cell phone holder. That said, the holder is useful for holding other small objects, including change. We rested our cell phone at the base of the stack for most drives.

Standard features include full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, air-conditioning, and a novel split-folding rear seat with sliding and reclining capabilities. It also comes with a pass-through to the rear storage area. Optional features include leather-trimmed seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel.

2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

Safety & Technology

We already covered the Rogue’s safety features, which parallel or are better than what its competitors offer. The tech updates have resulted in a small price increase on the SV ($200) and SL ($210) trims, while the S costs the same as it did in 2018.

The ProPilot Assist system is the most interesting technology offered by Nissan. The system not only activates adaptive cruise control, but it adds semi-autonomous driving. You’re supposed to have your hands on the wheel when active. In any case, the system “reads” the lines on the road (center and side), turning the steering wheel as you move down the road. But the system shuts off from time to time when the lines aren’t clear. As it turns off, ProPilot prompts with a soft tone and the instrument panel reflects the change, therefore there is no question when the system is on or off.

Nissan equips the 2019 Rogue with a four-speaker audio system, including a CD player, two USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth streaming. Among the upgrades include a six-speaker audio system or the nine-speaker Bose audio system. Navigation is available with the SV and SL trims only. But don’t fret as Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone compatibility are standard for 2019 — let your smartphone supply directions for no extra cost.

2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

On the Road

Nissan equips the 2019 Rogue with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

If you’re looking for robust power here, you’ll be disappointed. The Rogue is engineered for efficiency, delivering about 30 mpg for combined city and highway driving. The CVT is a decent match, although the powertrain seems lackadaisical at times. A turbo variant would help, something you’d find in the Ford Escape.

The Rogue supplies a comfortable ride. Steering is light to the touch and handling is straightforward, although it isn’t especially inspiring.

Auto Trends Recommends

Starting your search with the base model and opting for the S Premium Package gives you a vehicle costing just $25,720. At this price point you’ll come away with a well-equipped crossover for the money. Of course, if you live in snow country, we recommend an upgrade to all-wheel drive ($27,115).

That said, the Rogue SV with the SV Premium Package comes in at $29,185, bringing with it many design, comfort, and safety upgrades that make this an even more powerful purchase consideration. Our test SL model cost just over $35,000, which included every possible upgrade. Thus, the best deal is the mid-trim model with the first package upgrade.


2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

2019 Nissan Rogue Specifications


    • Sticker price from $25,945
    • Price as tested: $35,130
    • Seats 5 occupants
    • 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine
    • 170 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
    • 175 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM
    • Continuously variable transmission
    • Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
    • Length: 184.5 inches
    • Width: 72.4 inches
    • Height: 68.5 inches
    • Passenger volume: 105.8 cubic feet
    • Storage volume: 39.3/70.0 cubic feet
    • Towing capacity: 1,102 pounds
    • EPA: 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
    • Regular grade gasoline
    • Fuel tank: 14.5 gallons
    • Curb weight: From 3,456 to 3,668 pounds
    • Limited (new) vehicle warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
    • Powertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000 miles
    • Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
    • Vehicle assembly: Smyrna, Tennessee

See Also — Bestseller: 2018 Nissan Rogue

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2019 cars, all-wheel drive, crossover, CVT, four-cylinder engine, Nissan Rogue, SUV

The Fifth-Generation Subaru Forester Remains a Strong Contender

December 31, 2018 by admin

2019 Subaru Forester
The 2019 Forester launches this model’s fifth generation.

When you offer a very successful product, how do you make improvements as you ready the next-generation model? Very carefully, that’s how.

Tasked with developing the fifth-generation Forester, Subaru turned to its new global architecture to support the vehicle, the same platform underpinning all modern Subaru models. As a result, the 2019 Subaru Forester is slightly larger than before, therefore positioning this vehicle to stay relevant in a segment led by the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V. Among its competitors, the Forester continues as the only model with standard all-wheel drive.

2019 Subaru Forester Overview

The changes for 2019 go beyond architecture and size to include an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine (the previously available 2.0-liter engine is gone), a new Sport model, standard driver-assist technologies, and a panoramic power moonroof on all but the base trim.

For 2019, Subaru offers the Forester in Forester ($24,295), Premium ($26,695), Sport ($28,795), Limited ($30,795), and Touring ($34,295) trims. Add a $975 destination charge in most states, with slightly different costs in 10 others. We’ll break down each trim before tackling our driving impressions.

2019 Subaru Forester

Forester by Trims

If you’re looking for a revolutionary change with the all-new Forester, you’ll be disappointed. Then again, an evolutionary change works best with this popular model.

Here’s what you’ll find with the Forester’s now five trims:

1. Forester

For a base model, the entry-level Forester delivers the goods. You get the same engine and all-wheel-drive system as the rest of the lineup. And that’s a good place to begin.

This model has LED headlights, 17-inch wheels set within all-season tires, and black folding side mirrors. Inside, you’ll find full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, automatic climate control, cloth seats, and a cargo-area underfloor storage compartment.

The Forester’s standard audio package includes four speakers. You’ll also find a 6.5-inch multimedia display.

One of the biggest features this year is standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This package monitors traffic movement, adjusts cruise control, and supplies lane keep assist and sway warning. It takes some getting used to as the warnings make their presence known. Few competitors match Subaru with comparable technologies or if they do, you’ll pay extra for them.

The only available package with this trim is an Alloy Wheel Package ($600, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and raised roof rails). Remember, this is the budget model — you’ll probably want to begin your search with the next trim.

2019 Subaru Forester

2. Premium

The Premium trim brings in features from the Alloy Wheel Package and adds body-colored side mirrors, a roof spoiler, and a panoramic power moonroof.

Inside, you’ll find a 10-way power driver’s seat, an overhead console with dual LED map lights and sunglasses storage, a removable cargo area tray, and a six-speaker audio system. This model also gains a pair of front compartment USB ports.

At this trim you’ll find three package offerings. The first one is an All-Weather Package ($500, windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors, and heated front seats). The second choice builds on the first one by adding keyless entry with push-button start, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert ($1,295). Building on the first two is a package that brings in a power rear liftgate ($1,845). Opt for the third package and your price stays just below $30,000.

3. Sport

Sport is the newest trim and resides in the middle of this model’s five-trim lineup. Among its top features are its 18-inch wheels with orange accents and a sport drive mode. It also has LED fog lights and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators.

2019 Subaru ForesterInside, the Sport comes with sport cloth seating with orange stitching, heated front seats, and dual second-row USB ports. This trim also has keyless entry and push-button start.

You’ll find a pair of package offerings. The first one bundles blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking with an 8-inch touchscreen ($795). The second one builds on the first, adding a power liftgate and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system ($2,045).

4. Limited

Key features of the Limited edition include LED steering responsive headlights and 18-inch five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.

This trim also includes a power liftgate, leather-covered seats, and dual-zone climate control. You’ll find one package option only, which bundles such features as reverse automatic braking, a heated steering wheel, and navigation with the Harman Kardon audio system ($1,695).

5. Touring

As you might expect, the top-trim Touring edition found its way to my home. The usual practice of manufacturers is to deliver a top-trim model for media inspection, thus Subaru was on target.

2019 Subaru ForesterThis one, of course, pulls out all the stops, at least when it comes to the Forester. It might seem odd that a Forester costs as much as $35,000, but you get such advanced features as an 8-way power front passenger seat, heated outboard second-row seats, a power-controlled rear seat, and the Harman Kardon audio system.

Subaru also includes a reverse automatic braking system and a DriverFocus distraction mitigation system. The system works with EyeSight, delivering alerts if it senses you aren’t staying focused yourself. This means you may receive a display warning accompanied by a chime, telling you to keep your eyes on the road. The system alerted me one time, underscoring how easy it is to become distracted while driving.

What Subaru doesn’t include here is a package, because, at $35,270, the Touring edition comes with many standard features. It also makes a compelling reason to move beyond the Premium model with its own package offering. For just $1,800 more, the upgrades seem worthwhile.

On the Road

The previous-generation Forester offered two engine choices and these were four-cylinder motors displacing 2.0- and 2.5-liters, respectively. For the latest model, Subaru discontinued the base engine and updated the larger one, which powers every 2019 Forester. This one gains a slight boost in performance — 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, up from the previous 174 hp. The current engine has a slightly higher compression ratio and delivers improved acceleration. As before, Subaru’s flat-four works with a continuously variable transmission.

2019 Subaru ForesterThe lone engine choice matches what Subaru’s top competitors offer, which are engines that also displace 2.5 liters. But those models come with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, while Subaru supplies all-wheel drive only. The Ford Escape is one model with multiple engine choices, in this case, three, but none matches the Forester’s efficiency.

One of the Forester’s strong suits is its acceleration, especially when traversing local roads. The Forester’s engine provides an immediate and even boost in power, although it does come at the cost of some droning. The CVT manages to keep the engine revs in line, however, which also aids in efficiency. The ride is comfortable and steering is nicely weighted with responsive handling.

Indeed, Subaru supplies this model with torque-vectoring control, which delivers automatic braking to the inside wheels when cornering. You have to pay extra with competing models to get a similar reaction and even then the Subaru system seems more sophisticated. That extra bit of sophistication comes by means of “X mode,” which manages throttle application, steering wheel angle, and yaw rate.

2019 Subaru Forester

Off-roading is certainly do-able with the 2019 Forester. Its tall ground clearance, big tires, and an all-wheel-drive system just begs for off-road fun. When X-mode is activated, a hill descent feature kicks in. Further, the Forester’s traction management system mimics a locking differential arrangement along the lines of the Cherokee Trailhawk.

This is why you see Subarus doing things off road that unibody models typically avoid and live to tell about it. You may not be able to match the Trailhawk in climbing the toughest rock outpost, but your Subie should fly through the mud and navigate sand where others fear to tread.

Parting Thoughts

Rest assured, Subaru didn’t mess with success as they moved forward with an all-new Forester. And why should they? After all, the Forester is its best-selling model and any major design overhaul might adversely affect sales.

The new Forester simply strengthens the brand’s utility vehicle lineup, which is now composed of Crosstrek (subcompact), Forester (compact), Outback (two-row midsize), and Ascent (three-row midsize) models. Customers are drawn to Subaru for several reasons, including its standard horizontally opposed (flat) engines, all-wheel drive, and advanced safety technologies.

Some consumers may not consider Subaru a value brand (as in cost), but the automaker’s roster of standard equipment demonstrates otherwise. Finally, if you place a value on off-road capabilities, few competing models deliver the chops on the level of the 2019 Subaru Forester.

2019 Subaru Forester


2019 Subaru Forester Touring

  • Sticker price from $24,295 (plus $975 destination)
  • Price as tested: $35,270
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 182 horsepower @ 5,800 RPM
  • 176 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 RPM
  • 3.70 inches bore by 3.54 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 12.0-to-1
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
  • Length: 182.1 inches
  • Width: 71.5 inches
  • Height: 67.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: 111.9 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 35.4/76.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
  • EPA: 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 16.6 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,449 to 3,588 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Ota, Gunma, Japan

2019 Subaru Forester


See Also — All-Wheel Drive Edge: 2017 Subaru Legacy

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2019 SUVs, all-wheel drive, boxer engine, CVT, driver-assist technologies, Forester Sport, Subaru Forester, utility vehicle

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