The big news for the new model year is that a series of new features, not previously available for Nissan Rogue, are offered for 2011, including the Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, USB port for iPod® and other devices, automatic climate control and auto on/off headlights - to name just a few. Many of the new features are now standard on Nissan Rogue S, such as iPod® connectivity, 6-way manual driver's seat and illuminated vanity mirrors.
"There are many ways to look at 'value' in a vehicle these days and the new Nissan Rogue delivers by every measure - affordability, fuel efficiency, quality and versatility," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North American, Inc. "Often overlooked in the equation are sophistication and style, which have been upped considerably in the redesigned 2011 Rogue - proving once again that Nissan Rogue remains the perfect fusion of fun and functionality."
For 2011, Nissan Rogue is offered in two well equipped models, Rogue S and Rogue SV, along with a special Rogue S Krom™ Edition designed to add a unique dimension to traditional compact sport utility vehicles with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 18-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust. All Rogue models are available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.
Among the many enhancements for the fourth year of Nissan Rogue production is a redesigned exterior featuring a new front fascia and grille, new front and rear spoilers, new chrome side door guard molding trim accents, new front and rear tire deflectors and a new chrome license plate finisher. Also added for 2011 are new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for the Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition and Rogue SL Package, new low rolling resistance tires (available with the 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels) and a new under-body cover.
Four new exterior colors are offered: Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Frosted Steel and Black Amethyst - along with four carryover colors, Indigo Blue, Super Black, Brilliant Silver and Platinum Graphite.
Interior additions for the new model year include a new gauge panel design and new center cluster, along with new seat cloth and mood lighting for the Nissan Rogue S. Other feature enhancements include a drive computer on all models, automatic air conditioning on SV Premium and SL Packages, standard RearView Monitor on Rogue SV and a new 4.3-inch color display audio system with USB interface for Nissan Rogue SV models. A new Nissan Navigation System (Secure Digital Card-based) with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) is now available with the SV option packages.
Fresh New 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. The extensive redesign for 2011 adds to its sporty feel, while also enhancing Nissan Rogue's upscale appearance.
"Unlike some compact SUVs in the class, there's nothing toy-like about Nissan Rogue," said Castignetti. "From the chrome accents to its available 18-inch wheels, Rogue has a refined, grown-up style to go with its sporty look and performance."
Nissan 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 Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition includes a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights, a boldly styled rear sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust, 18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels, integrated body-colored rear spoiler and body-colored power outside mirrors.
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. Nissan Rogue features a 105.9-inch wheelbase and 182.9-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.
Nissan 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 58 cubic feet of cargo space. 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 Nissan Rogue's impressive functionality.
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.
In addition to the navigation system and RearView Monitor, available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (GEN3), XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose®-developed audio system with 7 speakers with Nd® Richbass® woofer, AUX input and MP3 playback.
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
Nissan 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 Nissan 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.
Nissan Rogue fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City (to be confirmed)/28 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 22 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive models.
Nissan 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).
Nissan 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 Nissan 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 Nissan Rogue SV. The Rogue S Krom™ Edition features unique brilliant-finish 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 Dunlop SP Sport 7000 A/S tires. New 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P225/55R18 tires are also optionally available with the SL Package.
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 Nissan 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).
Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition
The Nissan Rogue Krom™ Edition, which was added to the lineup in late 2009, is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and in just three exterior colors - Pearl White, Super Black and Platinum Graphite.
Built on the solid foundation of the Nissan Rogue S, the Krom™ Edition adds 18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 tires and a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights. In the rear, Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition includes a boldly styled sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust and rear privacy glass.
An integrated body-colored rear spoiler, body-colored power outside mirrors, a Krom™ emblem and steering wheel-mounted audio controls complete the Krom™ equipment modifications.
Available Options
Two option packages are offered in 2011 in addition to the Krom™ 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, 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 Nissan Rogue SV.
"With the changes to Nissan Rogue for 2011, it 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."