Test Drive: 2017 Nissan Rogue

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hit the big screen this past week and quickly shot to #1. Worldwide sales for the first weekend are said to have topped $300 million US. That is a lot of money, but the cost to make it was apparently no loss-leader at $200 million US. With plans to launch a new Star Wars movie every year for as long as it can, Disney stock is on a steady rise.

In step with the movie, Nissan has just launched the new and significantly improved 2017 Nissan Rogue, and I happen to be test driving the Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition package this week. It is featured in white, (aka Stormtrooper) with black accents and plenty of Star Wars details, decals and accents. Driving through a busy shopping mall with no parking spots available, I quietly wish for blaster guns hidden behind the front grille so I could clear a space or two. On second thought, just get me the Death Star for Christmas. Come on; don’t tell me you haven’t desired it as well every now and then.

Engine performance comes in the form of a familiar powertrain; it’s a direct carry-over from 2016. A 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder gasoline engine produces 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Matched to a CVT transmission, off-the-line acceleration will never be confused as anything close to hyper-drive; it feels somewhat ponderous and contemplative under normal driving conditions. Step on it and the Rogue has no problem attacking the highway, which is what most drivers will expect from their midsize CUV.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the S and SV model. The Rogue One Star Wars Edition is based on the SV and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Base price is $29,848.00. Add to this the Moonroof package at $1,300.00 and the Rogue One package and my test vehicle tops out at $33,998.00. It is not inexpensive, but is in line with the competition in what has quickly become one of the hottest market segments for new vehicles.

A host of standard safety features includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS, EBD, BA, active trace control, engine braking and ride control. No mind control, however, that was left off for some reason. The suspension is independent front and rear with stabilizer bars. Steering is vehicle speed-sensitive electric power. One feature that is new and that grabbed my attention is the flat-bottom steering wheel. Sporty and functional, it provides control for the audio system and cruise-control, while at the same time offering addition clearance for the driver and a reference point while turning the wheel.

Outward styling for the new Rogue has taken a definite step forward. Standard wheels on the SV are 17” alloy, in the case of the Rogue One edition; the wheels are painted black to complement the Stormtrooper theme. LED headlights are included, along with a host of Star Wars extras such as a black front grille, front and back black lower finishers, black roof rails and door handles and much more. Unique Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire graphics are also featured on the exterior and interior.

Inside, the new Rogue offers a familiar setting with numerous upgrades over the 2016 model. The obligatory power windows and mirrors are standard, so too the rear view monitor, intermittent rear wiper and overhead LED map lights. Mood lighting is included, as are four cupholders and four bottle holders plus USB connectivity and power charging in the center console. Six speakers are featured with the standard AM/FM/CD audio system.

Seating is for five adults, with the front seats offering excellent hip, leg and shoulder room, low/high heating and good back support. The driver’s side is 6-way power while the passenger side is 4-way manual with fore/aft and recline. Back seat passengers sit theatre-style, meaning they are raised higher. This results in improved outward vision, but there is a sacrifice to be made with regards to headroom. The seats recline, slide and fold flat for added storage. Trunk space is excellent with a pullout cover to hide object from view, droids are optional.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue is a superior vehicle in almost every way to the 2016 model. It looks more refined, carrying on with the new Nissan design theme, offers numerous interior improvements in both style and functionality, as well as the just-for-fun Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition option featured here.

I would prefer a more potent engine under the hood, but when it comes to power, Nissan is famous for carrying on with what’s familiar and improving it over time. On that note, it is hard to argue as this engine is well suited to the competition. I could still use blasters, but I guess that is asking for too much. This is the Rogue you are looking for and yes, there are droids in the back. Open the rear hatch with caution.

2017 Nissan Rogue (Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition)

Price as tested (before taxes): $33,998.00
Freight: $1,795.00
Configuration: front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.5L 4-cylinder / CVT
Power/torque: 170 hp / 175 lb-ft
Fuel-economy ratings (L/100km): city 9.2, highway 7.0
Observed fuel-economy (L/100km): 7.5
Warranty (basic): 5 years / 100,000 km
Competitors: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4

Related links:

Nissan Canada
The Globe and Mail