The Nissan Rogue is a compact sport utility vehicle, the best-selling model for the brand. Launched in 2008, the second-generation Rogue rolled out in 2014. Although the current Rogue is nearing the end of its life cycle, it remains one of the strongest sellers in its class.
What’s New for 2020
The 2020 Nissan Rogue is a carryover model. We expect an all-new 2021 third-generation model to debut early next year.
5 Highlights of the 2020 Nissan Rogue
There’s much to take in about the Nissan Rogue, although in some ways Nissan keeps things simple. Auto Trends is very familiar with this model as we’ve test-driven several copies in recent years. We don’t grade what we drive, but the Rogue has consistently performed very well.
1. Competitively priced.
The 2020 Rogue starts at $25,200 for the base “S” front-wheel-drive model and tops out at $32,940 for the all-wheel-drive SL. With every option taken, a fully loaded Rogue costs about $35,000, including the $1,045 destination fee. That’s about what you’ll pay for a comparably equipped Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
2. Singular powertrain.
Why offer multiple powertrain choices when your singular arrangement works well? Under the hood of every Rogue is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Nissan pairs this engine with a continuously variable transmission. Although the performance numbers aren’t impressive, the fuel economy is. You’ll easily top 30 mpg in a segment where 27 mpg is much more common.
3. Strong safety technologies.
We’re impressed by how much attention Nissan gives the Rogue in all things safety. For instance, the Nissan Safety Shield 360, a package featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and high beam assist. This package is standard on the Rogue SV and SL grades, but it isn’t available with the S grade.
4. Autonomous taste.
If you want to enjoy a taste of autonomous driving, the 2020 Rogue offers ProPILOT Assist. When activated, it is designed to reduce driver fatigue by reducing the amount of acceleration under certain conditions. Also benefiting are steering and braking input with the system offering support as needed. We tried it…and we liked it! This system is standard on the SL and available on the SV.
5. Ample passenger and storage room.
Five can fit inside the Rogue, including three-across seating in the rear. Four is ideal, but three adults can get along just fine, especially if the trips are short. What’s especially impressive is the near 40 cubic feet of standard cargo space, which expands to 70 cubic feet with the seat folded. That’s nearly 10 cubic feet more than the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Incidentally, the Nissan has a slight standard capacity edge over the mid-size Ford Edge. Now, that’s impressive!
Nissan Rogue Considerations
Nissan offers a strong cohort of utility vehicles, beginning with the Kicks, followed by the Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, and the Armada. If you’re considering a Rogue, but wouldn’t mind a sedan, then the Nissan Altima is also worth a look.
Auto Trends will have a full review of the 2020 Rogue if and when Nissan offers us one to test drive.
2020 Nissan Rogue Specifications
| Nissan | 2020 Rogue |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact SUV |
| Price Range | $25,200 to $32,940 |
| Destination Charge | $1,045 |
| Standard Engine | 2.5-liter, I4 |
| Horsepower | 170 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 175 @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Xtronic with Sport and Eco Mode switches |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,463 to 3,670 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 106.5 |
| Length (inches) | 184.5 |
| Width (inches) | 72.4 |
| Height (inches) | 68.0 to 68.5 |
| Head room (f,r…inches) | 41.6/39.5; 38.5/36.6 |
| Leg room (f,r…inches) | 43.0/37.9 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 56.6/55.9 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 54.0/52.1 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 39.3/70.0 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | 4,590 to 4,720 |
| Towing (pounds) | 1,102 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 14.5 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 25/32/27(AWD); 26/33/29(FWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Smyrna,Tennessee |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Photos copyright Nissan Motors.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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