2017 Nissan Rogue Performance

The 2017 Nissan Rogue delivers a performance level that's typical of most in this class: Handling is smooth and carlike, and there's enough power for it to fare well as a daily driver. Few drivers will grumble about the Rogue's overall performance, though shoppers looking for a lively ride may find issue with a powertrain that can be somewhat noisy and sheepish.

• "Dynamics and drivability aren't exactly high up on most compact SUV checklists, but you still have to be able to live with it as a daily driver, regardless of how short or long the commute. And for what the Rogue offers, it's a fine package." -- New York Daily News
• "It's not quick; a glance at the numbers is all it really takes to arrive at that conclusion. 170 horsepower and 3,600lbs (in AWD guise) is not a formula for sprightly acceleration, but the power is adequate for most day-to-day situations." -- Left Lane News
• "The Rogue's suspension is definitely set up to favor a smooth ride over sharp handling. The ride gets a bit firmer with the SL's standard 18-inch wheels, but comfort remains the order of the day. The downside is that the Rogue feels ponderous when going around turns and does little to engage the driver." -- Edmunds (2016)

Acceleration and Power

The 2017 Rogue comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission, which operates similarly to an automatic. Flooring the pedal won't result in break-neck acceleration, but reviewers say the Rogue delivers enough power for most scenarios you'll encounter along your daily drive. It will, however, result in loud droning sounds from the transmission. It has excellent fuel economy in comparison to most compact SUVs and 3-row SUVs (excluding hybrids). With front-wheel drive, the Rogue gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Both fuel economy ratings drop by 1 mpg with all-wheel drive.

• "Despite the new sport shifter, Sport-mode button, and flat-bottom wheel, there's no changing the fact that this remains one of the slowest accelerating CUVs in the segment, and its handling isn't even a fraction as sporty a Mazda CX-5's." -- Motor Trend
•  +"It might not win any comparison tests on performance but the 2017 Rogue's 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine's 170 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque offers (sic) enough passing power to confidently maneuver around overloaded landscaping trucks and oversized tractors." -- New York Daily News
• "Although the company went to great lengths to insulate its noisy 2.5L I-4 from the passenger cabin, the 175hp engine needs to work hard to move this spacious SUV around with any authority. Although the Rogue will easily maintain freeway speeds, passing on two-lane roads would require a lot of planning. Helping the engine in its momentum mission is an Xtronic continuously variable transmission, but even that infinitely adaptable 'gearbox' has its drawbacks. Indeed, full-throttle inputs resulted in a lot of high-RPM droning thanks to the CVT, and increased volume didn't always mean increased speed, especially if hilly driving is on the itinerary." -- Truck Trend

Handling and Braking

Whether you are maneuvering through a packed parking lot or a twisty country road, reviewers say the Rogue's steering is easy and on-point. That doesn't mean you can push it hard through the corners as if it were a sports car. Instead, the Rogue's steering and suspension is set to provide a comfortable, composed ride, which it does well.

• "Quick U-turns are not a struggle and braking is on point." -- New York Daily News
• "We've always found the Rogue to have above-average steering for the class. It should come as no surprise that such remains the case. In terms of the typical consumer experience, this manifests itself most obviously with the Rogue's willingness to hold a steady line down even a crowned country road, never once wandering without warning. This isn't the sort of car where a half-second's distraction from the road will result in a meandering drift into a neighboring lane. From an enthusiast's perspective, it means you can toss the Rogue into corners predictably and consistently. This isn't a sporty car, but it's not just a rolling lounge chair either." -- Left Lane News
• "While the 2016 Rogue compact-crossover SUV from Nissan may look racy and fast, its driving style is much more relaxed. The Rogue's ride never feels jarring or jittery, even over rough pavement. Not that we are complaining, because while there are plenty of sporty SUVs from which to choose, those that emphasize a soft ride are becoming increasingly rare. Steering feel from the electric-assist power-steering system is actually quite good, and overall we found the Rogue's ride to be controlled with noticeable lean only showing up during aggressive cornering." -- Kelley Blue Book (2016)