2025 Nissan Rogue offers rugged looking Rock Creek version

Published 6:00 am Monday, December 2, 2024

The compact crossover Rogue SUV is Nissan’s most important vehicle. Since it was first introduced in 2007, the Rogue has consistently been the company’s best-selling model. It was the ninth best-selling vehicle in the country in 2024 as of late November.

After spending a week with a top-of-the-line 2025 Rogue Platinum AWD, it’s easy to see why. Following a complete redesign in 2021, it is a thoroughly modern family hauler with crisp exterior styling, a roomy interior, a peppy but fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, practically all advanced automotive technologies, a smooth and comfortable ride, and available all-wheel-drive.

Nissan took a gamble with the 2021 redesign. Until then the Rogue had sold well largely by being a value leader. Although it wasn’t as refined as such competitors as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it cost considerably less, especially in the well-equipped lower trim levels. But the newest version is clearly intended to go head-to-head with them, with similar pricing along all trim levels. Fortunately, Nissan pulled the upgrades off with design and construction improvements, including smoother ride and higher quality interior materials.

Remarkably, Nissan took another risk the next year when it replaced the carry-over standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an all-new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. But despite being smaller, the new engine produces 201 horsepower, which is 16 more than the previous one. It also gets better mileage with EPA ratings of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway, which is excellent for gas engines in this class of SUV.

The 1.5T is mated to Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, which is one of the best gearless transmissions available in any vehicle. The company’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system is a $1,400 option on all trim levels except the new Rock Creek version, which is intended to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. There is it standard, along with 17-inch dark-painted beadlock style aluminum-alloy wheels and 235/65R17 all-terrain tires, a black tubular roof rack, and Hill Descent Control that automatically maintains speed and brake pressure to help provide a more confident descent.

The Rogue Rock Creek join the Rock Creek version of the larger midsize three-row Nissan Pathfinder as the company’s most off-road capable crossover SUVs.

In a week of daily driving, I found the 2025 Rogue Platinum AWD looked as sharp as any new compact crossover, aided by chrome highlights on Nissan’s signature triangular grill, lower body trim, and a rear bumper strip. Interior space was expansive, pushing the boundary between compact and midsize SUVs. The materials created a near-luxury feel, most notably the comfortable leather front bucket seats and wood trim along the lower level of the dash. The upgraded 12.3-inch center touch screen was easy to read and use, while the stereo still included the volume knob that most buyers prefer.

All versions of the Rogue also come with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of safety and assistance features. They include Blind Spot Intervention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology and Rear Door Alert. Depending on your trim level, the Rogue also may come with ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control that follows the prevailing speed of traffic with steering assistance that keeps the Rogue centered in its lane, although drivers still need to keep their hands on the wheel.

On the road, the 1.5T engine provided ample power, although it could sound buzzy when pressed, especially in the Sport mode. That is typical of small displacement turbocharged engines, although the CVT responded well to light pressure on the gas pedal. Still, it should be noted that the Rogue does not offer a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric version, unlike some competitors. That’s surprising, since Nissan pioneered the EV market with the compact Leaf sedan. But all electrified vehicles are priced higher because of the cost of the electric motors and battery packs.

My test Rogue rode well, with a suspension that floated over broken pavement. Body roll was noticeable when corners were taken too fast, which is expected in affordable SUVs. I haven’t had a chance to test the Rock Creek edition yet, so I can’t say how the all-terrain tires affect that. Even without suspension upgrades, my experience with other off-road oriented crossover SUVs tells me it would be even better at taming poorly maintained roads and potholes.

The 2025 Rogue is available in five trim levels, with the front-wheel-drive S starting at $30,620 and the top-of-the-line Platinum beginning at a very reasonable $40,190. The new Rock Creek version slots in the middle with a starting price of just $37,235, which should attract the attention of outdoor enthusiasts. All still offer good value, which is why they continue to be Nissan’s best-selling vehicle.

2025 Nissan Rogue

Base price: $29,230 (S FWD)

Price as tested: $40,920 (Platinum AWD)

Type: Compact SUV

Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (201 hp, 225 lb-ft)

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission

Drive modes: Eco, Auto, Sport, Off-road, Snow

EPA estimated mileage: 28/34 (as tested) to 30/37

Overall length: 183 inches

Curb weight: 3,741 pounds

Final assembly: Smyrna, Tennessee