2024 Nissan Rogue: Comfort First

The Nissan Rogue is the Japanese automaker’s best-selling vehicle and one of the most popular SUVs in Canada. However, with the current generation dating back to 2021 and competition being as fierce as ever, a mid-cycle refresh for 2024 was in order.

Is the result good enough to maintain or potentially improve the Rogue’s position? Let’s see.

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Revisions to styling, content and under the hood are all part of the mix. Nissan has even announced an adventurous Rock Creek model for off-road driving enthusiasts, although Canadian availability has yet to be confirmed at the time of writing. We’re pretty sure it will make its way north of the border from the U.S. Until then, we’ll focus on the standard Rogue.

With the platform and most of the hardware remaining unchanged, Nissan spent more time and money updating the compact SUV’s looks, adding features to the cabin, enhancing the infotainment experience and increasing safety for occupants.

Sophisticated and Connected

Designers have successfully built on the stylish exterior by incorporating a more sophisticated version of Nissan’s V-Motion front grille and tweaking the lower fascia. Skid plate-like elements below were added to give the Rogue a slightly more rugged appearance. Overall, we’re quite pleased with what we’re seeing here. And in the rear, the liftgate and bumpers have been revised to match the front end.

The biggest improvements can be found inside, mind you. First, the dashboard in SL and Platinum trim receives a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and a similarly sized, fully configurable digital instrument cluster. The Rogue also comes with Google built-in, meaning drivers have direct access to the Google Assistant, Google Maps and more via Google Play.

In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, some of the desirable features include an available wireless charging pad. On a practical note, we like the storage compartment under the cargo floor to keep valuables away from prying eyes.

Safety is at the core of the Rogue’s mission, which is why it comes standard with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. ProPILOT Assist combines Intelligent Cruise Control with Steering Assist for more confident highway driving. 

Just Three Cylinders?

Beyond the fresh new design and more technologically advanced cockpit, customers will find a turbocharged 1.5-litre triple-cylinder engine in every 2024 Rogue model. That’s right, the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder mill is gone—and Nissan isn’t quite ready yet to add a plug-in hybrid variant that would be derived from the closely related Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Output and torque are rated at 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft, respectively, handled by a continuously variable transmission that Nissan has been developing and improving for years. It’s lighter and cheaper to produce than a conventional automatic transmission, but we still prefer the latter.

The company is promising superior performance and efficiency. Sure enough, the 2024 Rogue can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds whereas its four-cylinder predecessor required 8.5 seconds to achieve similar acceleration. That’s not something to write your mother about. Meanwhile, the official fuel consumption ratings as determined by Natural Resources Canada are 6.7 L/100 km on the highway and 8.4 L/100 km in the city. However, from our experience, these numbers are a bit optimistic.

The little turbo engine proves fairly responsive and not too noisy, which is a good thing. On the other hand, you must know that reliability issues have surfaced following its introduction, with many Rogue owners complaining and U.S. safety regulators subsequently launching an investigation. We hear that Nissan has since addressed most these issues, but consider yourself warned.

Highly Comfortable

The cabin is quieter than that of most competitors in the segment, while the seats prove comfortable even on long trips. In SL or Platinum trim, the Rogue has a luxurious feel that contributes to an upscale driving experience.

From a performance standpoint, the 2024 Rogue has limited potential, but generous low-end torque is something that most if not all drivers will appreciate and care about. Handling is on par with the average compact SUV. This is not your ideal corner-carving vehicle, but definitely a smooth and accommodating family hauler with proper equipment and versatility, hence the solid sales figures.