2011 Nissan Rogue review

The 2011 Nissan Rogue gets points for its pleasant ride, good fuel economy and affordable base price. Consumer Guide gets right to the point on the 2011 Nissan Rogue: "Overall, Rogue's competitors are quieter and more refined, but this compact Nissan gets points for sleek styling, high levels of interior functionality, and value pricing. If you can live with Rogue's sometimes harsh ride, this little Nissan might make sense.”

The Nissan Rogue gives buyers a low starting price and good fuel economy. The Nissan Rogue gets a mild refresh for 2011. The Nissan Rogue is available in front- or all-wheel drive.
Nissan hopped on the small crossover train belately in 2007 when it introduced the Rogue as a 2008 model. Instead of trying to rile controversy with its lines, the Nissan Rogue simply takes the generic CUV shape and spreads on a light Nissan flavor. While the overall design is slightly rounded, tricks like an upkicked C-Pillar and slightly wrapped headlights give the Rogue a familial flair.

Fortunately, Nissan has also thrown in a new set of stylish 17-inch, bifurcated five-spoke alloys that give the Rogue's design a pulse. Our guess is that the buyer who wanders onto a Nissan lot in search of a Rogue is there for a few reasons: massive amounts of cargo, a tall seating position and a reasonable price. Particularly on the spacial front, the Nissan Rogue delivers admirably. There's
Bluetooth hands-free calling also comes along for the ride, making for a decently well-rounded tech package given what the Nissan Rogue costs.

The Nissan Rogue could seriously benefit from an infusion of lighter colors, let alone higher quality materials. Even with the optional sunroof in our tester, the Nissan Rogue simply felt dreary from behind the wheel.

Each Nissan Rogue ships with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Nissan has the benefit of utilizing one of the better CVT units available, and the 'box feels right at home behind the thrifty little four-cylinder in the Nissan Rogue. Perhaps the most surprising part about the Nissan Rogue is its price tag. Our mid-range SV model came riding fairly close to the vehicle's $23,220 MSRP, though if you're really on a budget, the Rogue is also available in S trim at $20,810. If Nissan were to give the Nissan Rogue a slightly livelier exterior and an interior that doesn't feel like it was designed by someone with photophobia, the 2011 Nissan Rogue might be able to carve out a bigger niche for itself.

The new styling includes a new front fascia with fog-light cut-outs, a redesigned chrome grille, the addition of chrome trim on the lower door edges, a revised rear spoiler, and a new chrome bar above the rear license-plate holder.