Review by Veeno Dewan
The 2023 Nissan Rogue is the third generation of the compact SUV and is one of the company’s best-selling vehicles. The more squared-off and upright cabin layout gives the new Rogue a purposeful contemporary look, Cosmetic changes include a new logo that is found on the grille, wheel centre caps, liftgate and steering wheel.
The 2023 Rogue has a new SL trim slotting in between the SV Premium Package models and the fully loaded Platinum model. The SL trim level ($39,998) includes wireless charging, navigation, and the three-zone climate control system from the top trim level.
There is a price hike with front-wheel-drive base models with the 2.5-litre engine costing $28,998, while AWD is an extra $2,300 at $31,298. The new 1.5L engine is found on the SV and higher trim levels. The SV arrives with All-Wheel Drive, a large moonroof, and the ProPILOT Driver assistance suite for $35,598. The SV Premium Package costs an extra $2,000 and adds a power liftgate, rear sunshades, rear heated seats, and leatherette upholstery. The top-trim Platinum model as tested costs $43,448 98 and adds a head-up display, wireless phone charging, quilted leather seats, a Bose premium sound system, and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen.
For 2023, the Rogue also offers a new 1.5-litre turbocharged variable compression engine with a very impressive output of 201 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 to 4,000 RPM. This is an upgrade from the 181 horsepower and torque in the 2.5-litre engines. Nissan claims a fuel economy of 7.6 litres per 100 km combined for the 1.5-liter engine. The motor is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with wider ratios and less noise and vibration.
Standard on every Rogue is Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite that includes forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity heated front seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors are also part of the mix. All versions get a seven-inch driver information screen and an eight-inch infotainment system. The premium package ($2,200) adds leatherette upholstery, rear window sunshades, and a power liftgate.
We tested the top Platinum grade at $44,5738 (available only with AWD), which adds: Heated outboard rear seats and a wireless phone charging pad, 19-inch wheels and 10.8-inch display, and the head up display. Plus, more. There is also available rear sunshades, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. A redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system is standard on the Premium. One of the highlights of the Nissan portfolio is the ProPILOT Assist system, the semi- autonomous driving and cruise control system.
The interior of the 2023 Rogue comes with some nice touches. The Nissan. Platinum models offer awesome quilted leather upholstery, a stitched dashboard, and other luxury touches. Our light tan and dark contrasting seats and interior trim looked simply fantastic! Tech is high with multiple gadgets and digital screens; with a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a cool 12.3-inch digital dashboard,; and a 10-inch head-up display (HUD) There are also heated front seats and steering wheel, and Wireless smart phone charging is available along with USB Type-C and Type-A charging ports. The roomy cabin has decent enough storage space beneath the floating centre console while a central arm-rest storage provides even more room for hidden items.
The rear is spacious enough with adequate legroom. Cargo volume is 1,113L behind the rear seats – and total space with the rear seats folded is 2,098L.
On the road, the increase in power was noticeable when taken on the highway. Acceleration was smooth and the engine provided the needed power when having to pass. Highway handling is also noticeably improved with a new Electric Power Steering system. It responded well to quick lane changes and the updated suspension design kept the Rogue firmly planted to the road. Nissan’s Vehicle Motion Control System predicts what the driver is trying to do and provide greater control in taking corners and lane changes. A central control wheel allows one to easily change between five driving modes: off-road, snow, standard, eco and
sport.
There are no real issues with Rogue, pricing is little higher than the competition, but the standard equipment levels and higher quality trim, finish, and materials more than make up for the still fairly reasonable base price. In summing up, the 2023 Nissan Rogue continues on its mission to provide one of the best compact SUVs in its class. The improved interior cabin, abundance of technology, safety. And great road manners make the Nissan standout. Highly recommended
2023 Nissan Rogue: Platinum AWD Model as tested: $46,566 including freight and PDE.
More info at www.nissan.ca
