Used 2013 Nissan Rogue

Based on Nissan’s popular Sentra sedan, the 2013 Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV designed to stand out from the competition by way of its curvaceous carlike styling and class-exclusive in-vehicle technology. Similar to the venerable Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, the Nissan Rogue is powered by a thrifty 4-cylinder engine, offers an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and starts under $24,000. The 2013 Rogue is also one of the only vehicles in the segment to feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which bolsters both fuel economy and power output. By incorporating a satisfying blend SUV, sedan and wagon DNA, the versatile 5-passenger Nissan Rogue can accommodate a wide variety of unique uses.

After spending the better part of a week in a 2013 Nissan Rogue SV with all-wheel drive, we came away with mixed feelings. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine felt adequately peppy, but when we needed that extra burst of power for passing or climbing elevations, it just wasn’t there. Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission proved smooth and consistent, and definitely made the most of the little engine’s powerband while returning good fuel economy. Although the CVT is a gearless transmission, Nissan engineered artificial shift points that mimic a conventional transmission. The only time the CVT’s true nature is revealed is during wide-open throttle. In this condition, the CVT holds the engine’s rpm steady as the vehicle accelerates, creating a loud and somewhat harsh engine note. On winding back-country roads we found the 2013 Nissan Rogue quite happy to play, with good feedback through its electric power-assisted steering. Body lean and bounce were also quite carlike, an attribute we chalk up to the Rogue’s Nissan Sentra underpinnings.

The 2013 Rogue’s interior is characteristically Nissan, with simple and straightforward instruments, subtle seating fabric and lots of soft-touch finishes. The Rogue has a terrific set of comfortable contour-forming front seats, which are heated and covered in quality leather on SL models. Front-seat legroom is good for tall drivers, as is headroom. Unfortunately, the rear-seat passengers don’t have the same luxury, especially when the front seats are pushed all the way back. Storage space is ample in the little Nissan Rogue and includes an oversized glove compartment as well as a hidden cargo area behind the rear seat If we have one gripe with the Rogue’s design, it’s the large D-pillar that, while creating a cool and sporty exterior look, creates a sizable blind spot for the driver.

Sharing its platform with the Nissan Sentra Sedan gives the 2013 Nissan Rogue the ride and handling of a car in the body of small SUV. The distinctive front grille and lower air intakes bear a slight resemblance to the larger Nissan Murano, and the alloy wheels and chrome door skirts seem to take after Nissan’s performance-oriented Maxima and 370Z. SV trims get bigger wheels and tires, as well as additional exterior enhancements including chrome exhaust outlets, roof rails and rear privacy glass.

AROUND VIEW MONITOR
Until recently, keeping your head on a swivel was the best way to successfully parallel park a car. By utilizing a series of external cameras to create a composite view of the vehicle’s surroundings, the Nissan Rogue’s available Around View Monitor gives you eyes on the back – and side – of your head.

XTRONIC CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT)
Nissan is one of the few automakers to still embrace and refine CVT technology, and this 2nd-generation transmission is incredibly smooth and provides the 2013 Rogue with decent performance as well as laudable fuel economy.

In base form, the 2013 Nissan Rogue S includes a multi-information display, 60/40-split rear seatbacks, a handy under-floor storage compartment, and a 4-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio port. SV models add a power-adjustable driver’s seat, premium fabric seating surfaces and a 6-speaker audio system with a 4.3-inch full color display and a USB port for portable music players. As is the case with most Nissan models, the Rogue’s steering wheel does not include a telescoping function. Standard safety equipment is comparable to most other small SUVs, but not exceptional.

With the majority of feature content bundled into packages, Bluetooth and all-wheel drive are the only individual options available for the 2013 Nissan Rogue. S models offer a Special Edition Package comprised of 16-inch alloy wheels, a mid-grade audio system a 4.3-inch color display, and a rear backup camera. Available on SV trims, the SL Package includes 18-inch alloys, navigation, a Bose premium audio system, Nissan’s exclusive Around View Monitor, and leather seats.

The 2013 Nissan Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine matched to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that is well-suited for everyday driving. For those who need a vehicle that can tackle a variety of driving conditions and road surfaces, opting for all-wheel drive results in only minimal reductions in fuel economy.

2.5-liter inline-4
170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
175 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 mpg (front-wheel drive), 22/26 mpg (AWD)