2019 Nissan Rogue Pros vs Cons

The Nissan Rogue has become a favorite among American families. It rewards you with good passenger comfort, strong fuel economy, and an attractive list of standard features. A capable AWD system also makes the Rogue a good winter vehicle. While even the base Rogue is a solid choice, the range-topping SL model comes loaded with an extra number of luxuries. Before you head out to buy a new 2019 Nissan Rogue, find out about this small crossover's potential shortcomings.

What's New for 2019?

The 2019 Nissan Rogue comes standard with more safety technologies, including a new Rear Door Alert feature. Nissan decided not to tweak the SUV's exterior styling and engine lineup.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Nissan Rogue – The Pros

1. Efficient Four-Cylinder

Motivating the 2019 Nissan Rogue is an economical 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. It's rated to develop an adequate 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Although the Rogue isn't a quick SUV, you will find it to be quite good on gas. Nissan's Xtronic CVT transmission helps limit fuel consumption. According to the latest EPA ratings, the Rogue will deliver a combined 29 mpg on regular unleaded. Opting for all-wheel drive only slightly lowers the Rogue's fuel economy.

2. Hybrid Rogue Saves Even More Fuel

While all versions of the 2019 Nissan Rogue are efficient, the hybrid model will save you even more at the pump. You can look forward to getting a combined 34 mpg. Most competitors can't match this number. Buyers who choose the hybrid engine also won't be giving up any performance. It actually produces slightly more horsepower than the standard four-cylinder. Don't expect to experience a noticeable difference in acceleration.

3. Balancing Handling and Smooth Ride

While the 2019 Nissan Rogue is not the sportiest crossover in the segment, most people will find it to be a very easy-driving SUV. Its balanced handling will inspire you with plenty of confidence. Meanwhile, a well-tuned steering system helps keep the Rogue from wandering on the highway. You will also enjoy this crossover's good ride quality. The suspension manages to smooth out ripples in the road.

4. Can Take You Off the Beaten Path

The overwhelming majority of Rogue buyers won't be traveling off-road. Nevertheless, this crossover is capable of venturing off the beaten path. Its available all-wheel-drive system is very impressive. It's designed with a locking center differential, which helps the Rogue to maintain enhanced traction on rough terrain. Brake-lock differentials also give you more grip on slippery surfaces. Hill descent control is another one of the Rogue's valuable off-road features.

5. Prominent Exterior Styling

In many ways, the 2019 Nissan Rogue looks like a smaller version of the Nissan Murano. There are several styling cues that help the Rogue to stand out from the competition, including Nissan's powerful V-Motion grille and boomerang-inspired tail lights. If you desire a bit more attitude, check out the Midnight Edition appearance package. It outfits the Rogue with 17-inch black wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. You also have access to some striking paint colors, including Monarch Orange and Caspian Blue.

6. Spacious, Comfy Interior Accommodations

For good reason, the 2019 Nissan Rogue continues to be mentioned among the best family vehicles in America. When riding in the new Rogue, your family will enjoy its superb seat comfort. While Nissan's top-rated “Zero Gravity” front seats are great for your spine, sliding rear seats help ensure the maximum legroom. If you have a growing family, the Rogue's optional third-row seat will be the perfect place for kids.

7. Value-Packed Trims

The S and SV trims are both priced below $28,000. This is good news for the folks who are trying to limit their spending. Some of the noteworthy standard features include a touch-screen interface with smartphone integration, satellite radio, and an advanced safety package. Stepping up to the SV trim rewards you a more luxurious ride. Heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button ignition are all found on the Rogue SV.

8. ProPilot Assist Offers a Semi-Autonomous Driving Experience

Standard on the range-topping SL model, ProPilot Assist is designed to offer a semi-autonomous driving experience. Not only does ProPilot Assist make long trips on the highway more rewarding, but it also helps take the stress out of driving in stop-and-go traffic. A front-mounted camera enables the system to keep drivers centered in their lane. Furthermore, ProPilot Assist helps you to maintain a safe following distance.

9. Great for Hauling Extra Stuff

The Rogue's excellent storage space is another great quality that your family will love. It's designed with an EZ Flex system, which enables you to create flat cargo floor. With the front passenger seat folded down, there's even enough space for a surfboard. You can also take advantage of the Rogue's Divide-N-Hide cargo system. This nifty feature helps keep your extra items organized.

10. Top-of-the-line Rogue SL Feels Luxurious

If you're seeking all the bells and whistles, choose the top-of-the-line Rogue SL. It's the only trim that comes lined with leather upholstery. Some of the SL model's other niceties include a 360-degree parking camera, a Bose premium audio system, and a NissanConnect emergency communications system.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Nissan Rogue – The Cons

1. Does Not Deliver Strong Acceleration

The 2019 Nissan Rogue is good at saving fuel. It does not make performance a big priority. You'll find many of the Rogue's rivals to be more entertaining to drive. A rather slow 0-60 time of around 9.3 seconds puts the Rogue near the bottom of the pack. When merging onto the highway, the Rogue takes a little longer to get up to speed.

2. Weak Standard Audio System

If music is an important part of your day, you may be a bit disappointed with the Rogue's standard sound system. This four-speaker system does not pack much power. Upon turning up the volume, some songs may start to distort. A six-speaker unit is found on the SV trim. However, serious music fans will want the Bose premium sound system.

3. Infotainment System's Graphics

The NissanConnect infotainment system's simple design makes it easy to use. However, its drab graphics leave much to be desired. Some iPhone users have also experienced problems linking their device. You'll find the Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect interface to be far superior. Not only does the Uconnect display have crisper graphics, but it also has no performance issues.

4. Automatic CVT Isn't Fun

Nissan's Xtronic transmission takes away some of the Rogue's driving excitement. Like so many other automatic CVTs, it can sound loud at times. This transmission also is a bit slow to deliver power. Upon stepping on the accelerator, drivers may notice a slight delay in responsiveness.

5. Some Questionable Crash Test Results

Last year, the Rogue was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. However, its NHTSA four-star overall safety rating may raise an eyebrow. Some of the Rogue's competitors were able to snag a five-star overall rating.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The Honda CR-V is one of the strongest competitors in the segment. It's quicker and more responsive than the Rogue. You will also like the CR-V's upscale interior. However, it's important to note that the 2019 Nissan Rogue does come standard with more features.

You should also check out the 2019 Toyota RAV4. Although the RAV4 has a higher predicted reliability rating, the Nissan Rogue delivers better gas mileage and offers Android Auto.

A lot of drivers like the 2019 Mazda CX-5. It's arguably the sportiest crossover in the class. You will enjoy the CX-5's precise handling and unruffled ride. However, there's more cargo space inside the Rogue. If you want a five-passenger crossover that can tackle seriously rough terrain, take a look at the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The Cherokee can also be equipped with a powerful V6 engine for enhanced towing.

Conclusion

For good reason, the Rogue is Nissan's best-selling family vehicle. It's great for everyday commuting and long-distance traveling. Several worthy safety features are available, including Nissan's optional semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist technology and a standard Rear Door Alert system. A good AWD system also helps make the 2019 Nissan Rogue a great year-round vehicle. However, don't expect to Rogue to get your adrenaline flowing. Performance is certainly not its strong suit.