The Rogue is visually refreshed with new frontal styling for 2025. The Platinum trim gains a new Tech package this year.

All Rogues are powered by Nissan’s 1.5L, variable compression ratio turbo triple. This engine uses the variable compression ratio system used in 2L, four-cylinder form in the QX50 and QX55 models from Infiniti. The smaller engine might make sense in markets where cars are taxed on engine size or CO2 output, but makes little sense in Canada as vehicles are not taxed that way. It seems like a huge wedge of redundant technology forced onto unwilling consumers. Despite the deep technology, acceleration is class average and the engine rumbles like most three-cylinder engines. The CVT transmission is programmed to mimic the gearchanges in a traditional gearbox. The smooth ride reflects a lot of hard work on behalf of Nissan engineers and is one of the best features of the Rogue. Handling is adequate but hardly engaging. The 20 inch wheels on premium models impart a “sporting” feel on a short drive but end up being a curse for owners as it literally impacts ride quality. While precise, the Rogue’s steering is light and lacks feedback but does feel steady at highway speeds. Braking is strong, with good pedal feel. The Rogue feels solid, much more so than the last generation of Nissans.

The cabin of the range-topping Platinum model driven is particularly well turned out. The transistor-film-technology (TFT) gauge package features crisp graphics and is multi-configurable. There are copious soft-touch surfaces, premium Aniline leather seating and matte finishes. Nissan’s NASA-inspired Zero-Gravity seats that debuted with the previous-generation Altima are featured on not just the front seats but on the rear seats as well. The front seats are very comfortable on a long run and the rear seat feels supportive also.

Legroom is ample front and rear and equal to the best of the competition. The substantial cargo area is carefully finished.

Visibility is at least class competitive, the Bose-branded audio system delivers pleasing sounds, the climate control works well enough and the heated front seats and steering wheel provided comforting warmth quickly.

After at least a decade of near terminal mediocrity, Nissan, starting with the Kicks, Altima and latest Sentra, has regained its styling mojo and the Rogue reflects this design renaissance.

While the Rogue maintains its previous footprint it has jettisoned the bland, amorphous look for one that is fresh, contemporary and remarkably elegant. The new Rogue is not only more attractive, with aluminum hood and doors and a resin tailgate, it is also lighter. The driver of the top Rogue, the Platinum, faces a large-format transistor-film-technology (TFT) configurable gauge cluster that resides in a clean-lined dashboard with a strong horizontal emphasis.

Mainstream buyers face crisply-marked conventional gauges. Like many contemporary vehicles, a free-standing infotainment screen takes pride of place at the top centre of the instrument panel. The infotainment screen incorporates adjustment knobs and the climate controls located below the screen are straightforward. The electronic gear selector in the new Rogue, which is similar to those in German-branded cars like BMW, lacks a physical connection with the transmission but liberates a great deal of storage space under the “flying bridge” that contains the gear selector.

All-wheel drive is standard on all trims. With a comprehensive active safety suite, heated front seats and steering wheel, alloy wheels, L.E.D. headlights, the iOS-Android cellphone interface and rear parking sonar, the base S trim is very nicely equipped. Migrating to the SV Moonoof adds a sunroof, a power driver’s seat, a power tailgate, adaptive cruise control and the ProPilot limited self driving suite. The SV Premium includes heated rear seats and a 360 degree camera system. The SL trim is necessary to get leather seating and navigation. Moving up to the Platinum brings Semi-Aniline processed leather, a Bose-branded audio system, a head up display system as well as a digital gauge cluster. The Tech package on the Platinum trim adds a front wide view monitor and invisible hood view.

Worrying reports of premature failures of the new 1.5L turbo triple do not auger well for the durability of the Rogue. In addition to the engine, there have been numerous premature failure of the Nissan CVT transmission. Typical Nissan weaknesses include early-expiry ball joints as well as air conditioning and electrical accessory failure.