2012 Nissan Rogue (S, SV, Special Edition, Premium, SL) Review

Following an upgraded look for the 2011 model year, the Nissan Rogue crossover SUV adds a new Special Edition for 2012, along with revised content for the various option packages.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo -
Rogue once again offers excellent value, while satisfying both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs – which has made Rogue one of the best-selling vehicles in the Nissan lineup.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

The new high-value Special Edition includes steering wheel audio controls, RearView Monitor, 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights and privacy glass. Other enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a new “Sport Mode” switch on all models, new 17-inch (SV) and 16-inch (Special Edition) aluminum-alloy wheels, and one new exterior color, Graphite Blue. Also, the SL Package adds the innovative Around View® Monitor.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

“The 2012 Rogue is the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer the unique, Around View® Monitor feature, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras – mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle – to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “It’s another example of our philosophy of ‘Innovation for All,’ not just for the most expensive vehicles in our lineup.”

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

The 2012 Rogue is offered in two trims, S and SV – both equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and advanced Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). Three option packages are also available – Special Edition, Premium Package and SL Package. And, all 2012 Rogue models are available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.

Modern Exterior, Driver-Oriented Interior
Rogue’s exterior is designed to present an image of modern sophistication. Its dramatic styling includes dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines, enhancing both its sporty feel while providing an upscale, grown-up style in a category full of toy-like compact SUVs.

Rogue features available Xenon headlights, available power sliding glass moonroof with dark gray glass, and available roof rails (detachable crossbars are offered as an accessory). Chrome door handles, body-color bumpers, rear liftgate with fixed glass and power sideview mirrors are standard. The body also features large front door openings for easy ingress and egress. The new Special Edition includes front fog lights, privacy glass and unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

Every Rogue is built on Nissan’s proven “C” platform, which provides high body stiffness with extensive use of high-strength steel utilized to help reduce body weight. Rogue features a 105.9-inch wheelbase and 183.3-inch overall length – among the longest in class, compared with leading small crossover competitors – providing ample rear seat proportions and one of the longest interior lengths in class.

Rogue’s interior is designed to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs – including the versatility provided by a large 57.9 cubic feet of cargo space (with 2nd row seat folded down). The interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit, available leather-appointed seating surfaces and 6-way power driver’s seat. Heated front seats and mirrors are also available, along with a fold-down front passenger seat (standard on SV) – which allows more than 8.5 feet of front-to-rear cargo space for carrying long items such as wood or ladders. A rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat, oversize glove compartment, and versatile center console all contribute to Rogue’s impressive functionality.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and a washable, removable tray that fits below the cargo area floor to hold wet or dirty gear and tools. Rogue’s everyday utility features also include a variety of cupholders, memo/pen holder, coin holder and cell phone/sunglass holders.

Available features and technologies include automatic air conditioning (SV Premium and SL Packages), RearView Monitor (SV), a 4.3-inch color display audio system with USB interface (SV and Special Edition), Nissan Intelligent Key™ (SV), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (SV), and XM® Satellite Radio (SV and Special Edition) (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

An advanced Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) is offered with the Premium and SL Packages. Available audio systems include a powerful Bose®–developed audio system with 7 speakers with Nd® Richbass® woofer, AUX input and MP3 playback (SL Package)

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

A standard drive computer includes displays for distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and outside temperature. Available steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and cruise control (cruise control is standard on all models).

Engaging Performance
Rogue’s standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque, tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. The engine features an aluminum block, reduced piston and piston ring friction and increased thermal efficiency (over the previous generation 2.5-liter engine design), 9.6:1 compression ratio, and large diameter intake port and exhaust manifold.

Every Rogue comes with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT™, combining smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Rogue’s CVT utilizes Adaptive Shift Control and a high-speed central processing unit. Its advanced shift control offers the optimal shift pattern according to the driving situation and driver’s demands, using input from driver operation, vehicle speed, road gradient, turning condition and acceleration to adjust shifting patterns accordingly. A new “Sport Mode” switch is added for 2012.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

Rogue fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City/28 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 22 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive models.

Rogue AWD models feature an advanced, intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. The system helps provides excellent all-weather performance and traction. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Rogue comes equipped with standard 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension includes subframe-mounted independent struts with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, and a stabilizer bar. The rear independent multi-link suspension includes aluminum-alloy upper links, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension design allows maximum luggage space (versus a rear strut design).

Responsive steering is provided by an Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) system. Every Rogue also comes equipped with standard power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Rogue S models come with 16-inch steel wheels and P215/70R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R17 tires are standard on Rogue SV. The Rogue Special Edition features unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P225/55R18 tires are available with the SL Package.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat Active Head Restraints; 3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

Every Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Available Options
Two option packages are offered in 2012 in addition to the new Special Edition. The Premium Package (available on Rogue SV) features the Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), power glass moonroof, automatic on/off headlights and automatic air conditioning.

The SL Package features leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bose® premium audio system with 7 speakers plus subwoofer, the new Around View® Monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Xenon headlights, automatic on/off headlights, power glass moonroof, automatic air conditioning and front fog lights. The SL Package is available on Rogue SV.

2012 Nissan Rogue photo

“Rogue remains a fresh, exciting no-compromise alternative to traditional sedans, minivans and small utility vehicles,” said Castignetti. “It provides the answer to a wide variety of vehicle needs, with the enhanced value and fun today’s buyers are looking for.”