2020 Nissan Rogue Review

If you're looking for a consumer-friendly, affordable crossover compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue should definitely be on your shortlist. It may be less powerful and offer less in terms of tech features compared to rivals but it has great cargo capacity and fuel economy, appealing to those seeking a high-utility daily driver. The 170 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder might not be the most potent, but it performs adequately enough. However, compared to more athletic rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V and how much they offer in terms of specs and value, the Rogue may be found wanting. And, with a starting price of $25,200, the Rogue may struggle to stay competitive versus more dynamic rivals.

What's the Price of 2020 Nissan Rogue?

The Nissan Rogue is an affordable SUV, but no more so than its rivals. The S has a starting MSRP of $25,200. For just $1,420 more, you can get behind the wheel of a better-equipped SV. To get the top-of-range features, you will need to put aside $31,590 for the SL. These are the starting prices for the front-wheel-drive models; all-wheel-drive versions come in at $1,350 extra on each trim. These prices do not include tax, registration, licensing, and the $1,045 destination charge.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Steering on the Rogue is an extremely one-sided interaction, with the wheel silently taking inputs and giving nothing in return. Only a whisper of resistance is given at higher speeds, if only to make the driver feel like the car has any idea what it is doing. Handling is, at least, slightly better. The SUV won't roll out of your control, but don't expect to get any pleasure from getting it to behave on the road. Sadly, even the brakes inspire no confidence, as they suck up input before any reaction becomes evident. Nevertheless, they are strong enough to bring the Rogue to a halt in a segment-average 127 ft from 60 mph

The one area where the Rogue is better than just average is comfort. Comfortable seats and a soft suspension soak up most road imperfections, though consecutive larger bumps put one in mind of sitting on the floor of a bouncy castle. Luckily, the chassis recovers quite quickly. Despite the engine giving off whines of displeasure at higher speeds, the cabin remains remarkably insulated from any external noises. The Nissan Rogue won't thrill, but it probably won't actively ruin your driving experience either.

Verdict: Is the Nissan Rogue A Good car?

The Rogue is getting old now, and it has made little effort to keep up with the times. It might have received a facelift in 2017, but what it really needs is a complete overhaul to bring it more in line with the competition. While it offers an array of driver-safety features, they are dated and don't provide the level of safety the SUV promises. The underpowered 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has been one of the car's weaknesses for quite some time now, and the rest of the powertrain has received no updates either over recent years.

At the very least, the interior looks decent, despite some less refined elements showing through the stylish facade, and cargo space is undoubtedly among the best in the class. The Nissan Rogue's price is beaten by many of its competitors, which begs the question; is the Rogue really worth it for the few redeeming qualities it offers?

It could be argued that the Nissan Rogue is a good car, but we believe such an argument would be specious. There are certainly much better SUVs available in the USA, and Nissan should be focusing on redesigning this antiquated compact model before it completely loses credibility in the segment.

What Nissan Rogue Model Should I Buy?

You can get most of what you need, or may want, from the Rogue without aiming for the top trim level. The SV offers almost all the driver-assist features available to the range, minus the surround-view camera, and ProPILOT assist. It has the same engine and most of the desired comfort and tech features. Sure, you miss out on leather seats, power passenger seat, and a premium audio system, but if you're considering the Rogue, then you probably want an affordable family car, and opting for the $4,970 price hike may not be the most economical choice for so few extra features.

2020 Nissan Rogue Comparisons

2020 Nissan Rogue vs Toyota RAV4

Sporting a brand-new design for 2019 and more sporting performance figures, the Toyota RAV4 has a lot to offer. In many ways, it is very similar to the Rogue, offering a lot of standard safety features and excellent cargo capacity - although the Rogue still offers more trunk space. But the potent 203 hp engine in the RAV4 is hard to argue with, promising significantly better drivability. However, the Rogue does offer a more comprehensive infotainment suite, despite the RAV's recent redesign. If you don't mind sacrificing smartphone integration and a bit of comfort, the Toyota will offer more enjoyment on the road and will look better in the vacation photos, too. But passengers may prefer the better-appointed interior of the Rogue. The Toyota will cost you around the same as the Nissan, initially, but it offers better fuel economy guaranteeing savings in the long run.

2020 Nissan Rogue vs Honda CR-V

With its punchier 184-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine and optional 190 hp turbocharged four-cylinder, the Honda CR-V delivers significantly better performance on the road, offering buyers an athletic and engaging driving experience. While the Honda does come with fewer standard features than the Nissan, it makes up for this with extra maximum cargo space, a better-built cabin, more refined handling characteristics, and almost identical fuel economy. Looking at the two SUVs objectively, it is all but impossible to choose the Rogue over the CR-V.