2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD; ProPILOT Helps Ease Driver Fatigue

The Nissan Rogue is one of the top-selling small SUVs in America and the Japanese automaker just made it better. The 2018 Nissan Rogue gets a new ProPILOT assist technology which provides assisted steering, braking and accelerating during single-lane highway driving. Nissan says it’s the foundation for fully-autonomous driving in the future.

This week we drive the top-of-the-line 2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD in the mountains of Colorado.

What’s new for 2018?

The 2018 Rogue SL model can be optioned with Nissan’s new ProPilot Assist technology. Also for 2018, the standard infotainment system has been updated to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the entry-level Rogue S gets a nice 7.0-inch touchscreen, and there are two new colors. For 2018, all but the base model get a standard liftback opening with a wave of the foot under the rear bumper.

Features & Options

The 2018 Nissan Rogue SL AWD ($32,410) comes standard with climate control; Bluetooth with audio streaming; rearview camera; tire pressure monitor; and an AM/FM/XM/CD audio with a USB port and four speakers. Rogue SL also comes with satellite radio; alloy wheels; automatic headlights; a power driver’s seat; keyless ignition, and NissanConnect, which enables the use of smartphone apps like Pandora. The top trim Rogue SL comes with other features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bose audio, Siri Eyes Free, navigation, power tailgate, surround-view camera, 18-inch wheels.

A Premium Package ($1,820) adds a panoramic sunroof, and LED headlights. Other options include the Platinum Package ($790) with ProPilot Assist that includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, plus 19-inch alloy wheels and electronic parking brake. Total MSRP including destination: $36,520.

Interior Highlights

Stepping inside the 2018 Rogue, we immediately noticed the Almond-colored cabin accented with attractive dark trim pieces. We appreciated the abundance of soft-touch quality materials through the cabin, heated steering wheel and heated front seats. It’s a tough life being an automotive journalist. One complaint we have is with the transmission mode, heated steering wheel, and power liftgate switches located on the left side under the steering wheel. It’s hard to reach down and keep your eyes on the road while making transmission adjustments when you are driving.

Our passengers loved the panoramic sunroof, roomy back seat with plenty of leg and headroom for our taller adults. There’s also good visibility out the back and sides of the new Rogue. The crossover offers abundant passenger and cargo flexibility with Nissan’s innovative EZ Flex Seating System and Divide-N-Hide Cargo System. The rear seats easily fold flat with the pull of a handle on top of the rear seat if you need additional cargo carrying ability.

The second row slides on a nine-inch track to expand the legroom, reclining for long-distance comfort, and tucking behind the front seats for cargo. When the rear is folded, there’s a sizable 70 cubic feet of cargo space. 3-row 7-passenger capability is available for families needing extra passenger-carrying abilities. Families will particularly like the motion activated rear liftgate making it easy if your hands are full. We needed to load a large picture frame in the back, and with both hands full, we used the “kick sensor” to easily activate the liftgate.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

Rogue comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission, making 170 horsepower with 175 foot-pounds of torque, delivering mediocre acceleration and offering an EPA estimated 27 combined miles per gallon and 25/32 city/highway mpg with all-wheel drive.

Driving Dynamics

As we commuted around town, the Rogue’s 2.5-liter engine provided plenty of power in city driving. On the highway, the Rogue’s powertrain is efficient and wind noise was kept to a minimum at top speeds making long road trips enjoyable. When we stepped on the gas to pass slower traffic heading up I-70 into the mountains, the CVT automatic keeps the engine rpm high and power is sufficient for most driving situations. The Xtronic CVT has a Sport mode that simulates a more conventional automatic which we used when pushing hard up the mountain roads. In the city, we put it in Eco mode for extra fuel-efficiency.

The Rogue suspension is compliant and offers a smooth ride over sharp handling. We pushed the crossover hard in the tight mountain corners and the Rogue does have some body lean. For families living in urban environments, the Rogue offers up a comfortable ride and will be a good city commuter. The ride is a bit firmer with the upgraded 19-inch wheels, but overall, comfort and fuel-efficiency is what this SUV is about.

Conclusion

The 2018 Nissan Rogue gets the new ProPILOT assist technology which provides assisted steering, braking and accelerating during single-lane highway driving. We were able to experience the safety system in heavy traffic this week in Denver. We can see how it helps ease driver fatigue, and as a result, will help prevent accidents. It’s definitely worth the extra $790.

Photo credit: Nissan USA