2022 Nissan Rogue: A Compact SUV That Packs a Punch

Nissan has given its best-selling Rogue SUV a significant upgrade for 2022, and it’s not immediately visible to the naked eye. Hidden under the hood lies a brand-new 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 engine that’s set to revolutionize the driving experience for Rogue owners.

The Heart of the Beast: A Turbocharged Triple

This new three-cylinder powerhouse uses the same variable compression technology found in Nissan’s larger 2.0-liter turbo I4 engine. This innovative tech allows the 1.5T to deliver more power at low revs while operating more efficiently during cruising. It’s a clever bit of engineering that benefits both performance and fuel economy.

The numbers speak for themselves: The 1.5-liter I3 produces 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, representing increases of 20 hp and 44 lb-ft over the previous 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I4. Fuel economy sees a 3-mpg improvement on the combined cycle, with a base, front-wheel-drive Rogue estimated to return an impressive 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

Smooth Operator: The Continuously Variable Transmission

Nissan has reworked the Rogue’s CVT to complement the turbo engine. The changes aren’t radical, but the transmission is both smoother and quieter than before. While steering wheel-mounted paddles allow for simulated gear changes, the CVT is best left to its own devices for optimal performance.

Driving Dynamics: Not Quick, But Certainly Capable

The 2022 Rogue isn’t what you’d call quick, but it accelerates with more authority than its predecessor. The throttle might be a bit too sensitive at times, delivering a quick jolt of power when pulling away from stops. However, midrange thrust is acceptable, and the torque delivery is nice and linear.

Around town, the Rogue is a pleasure to drive. The suspension strikes a nice balance between city comfort and freeway stability. The steering is appropriately weighted, if lacking in feedback – a minor issue that most Rogue buyers are unlikely to notice or care about.

Tech-Savvy: A Suite of Driver-Assistance Features

All 2022 Rogue models come equipped with a long list of standard driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Nissan’s excellent ProPilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with active lane-keeping tech, is standard on all trims except the base S.

Interior Comfort: Spacious and Well-Appointed

The Rogue’s interior is nicely appointed and quite spacious. The rear doors open a full 90 degrees, making it super helpful for passengers and convenient for loading bulky items. The relatively boxy shape contributes to overall cargo capacity, with the Rogue offering 74.1 cubic feet of space – splitting the difference between the smaller Honda CR-V and larger Toyota RAV4.

Infotainment: A Mixed Bag

The Rogue’s multimedia setup remains unchanged from previous models, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen running Nissan’s somewhat outdated infotainment suite. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built-in, with wireless CarPlay available on models with the larger 9-inch screen. The Platinum trim offers a spiffy 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an optional head-up display.

Pricing: Competitive in the Segment

All 2022 Rogue models are slightly more expensive than their predecessors, with a base model starting at $28,445 (including $1,295 for destination). All-wheel drive is a $1,500 upcharge on all trim levels. A fully loaded Platinum AWD like the one pictured here starts at $39,725, with options like the fetching two-tone orange and black paint job ($745) and head-up display ($400) pushing the price to $40,870.

The Bottom Line: A Solid All-Around Performer

The third-generation Nissan Rogue is a straightforward SUV that doesn’t excel in any one area but doesn’t do anything poorly either. While it may not be the best-looking, most luxurious, or most fun-to-drive crossover in the compact class, and lacks hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, it’s a solid all-around product that’s likely to keep its position as Nissan’s top-selling vehicle. The new turbo engine only enhances this SUV’s appeal, making it a compelling choice for those in the market for a compact crossover.

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