Don’t pack five full-size adults in there and try to tackle the steep terrain of the Coquihalla Highway…

The Nissan Rogue compact crossover has been substantially updated since its appearance in 2008.

The current design is very similar to the Murano but on a smaller scale. It has a sleek profile and features a rolled back front grille, large moulded LED headlights and the roof rails combined with the rear spoiler give it a very sporty look.

There are three trim levels, S, SV, and SL. The base S comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, EZ Flex seating system, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and a USB connection for a cell phone.

The SV model adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, power panoramic moonroof, heated front seats and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support.

The SL trim level starts with the SV model’s standard equipment and adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual zone automatic temperature control, auto dimming inside rearview mirror. The SL’s leather package includes heated front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated side mirrors, a six-way power driver seat, plus a one touch up/down driver window.

The SL premium package includes a seven-inch color touch screen monitor for navigation, eight-speaker Bose audio systems with a six-CD/MP3 changer, Sirius satellite radio ready, steering wheel mounted audio controls and ND Richbass sub-woofer. This package also give you a Power liftgate and an around view monitor.

There are dual stage front driver and passenger airbags with seat belt sensors, roof mounted curtain side-impact airbags. The vehicle is also equipped with 4-wheel ABS and traction control systems, rollover sensor, anti theft with immobilizer key systems. Vehicle speed sensitive electric power steering adjusts automatically to become easier at lower speed and firms up at higher speed.

This vehicle gets you around town but the four-cylinder engine just doesn’t have enough power on the highway. I found myself constantly pushing the gas pedal to the floor just to keep up with traffic. Perhaps it is the CVT transmission but I would like to see a V6 option for this vehicle.

Interestingly, the windshield wipers are noteworthy but not for a good reason. It was raining one day during my test drive and as I stopped at a light I felt the car sway back and forth with the wipers, I quickly dismissed it for a big truck driving by but it was at every stop. I turned them on fully and the car rocked back and forth with every swipe. I have heard about soft suspension but really?

If it is a small crossover vehicle you are looking for and like the feeling of sitting up higher than a car, try this one. Just don’t pack five full-size adults in there and try to tackle the steep terrain of the Coquihalla highway.

Power

A 2.5-litre, 16-valve DOHC engine with 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, matched with a continuously variable transmission

Pump frequency

7.9 /6.0 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

3-year/ 60,000km complete vehicle warranty

3-year roadside assistance

5-year/ 100,000km power train warranty

5-year unlimited km corrosion perforation warranty.

Sticker price:

S – $23,498

SV – $26,948

SL – $30,698

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca