The Rogue gets something of a mid-cycle design refresh for 2011, but you'd have to look hard to see the differences. That's fine, as the Rogue's sleek, rakish design still looks fresh. Its proportions appear wider and longer than it actually is from the outside, and few would guess that the Rogue is actually based on the compact Sentra sedan. Up close, cues from the larger Murano give it a hint of upscale. New wheels, added chrome accents, and new front and rear spoilers go a long way toward enforcing that.
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
2011 Nissan Rogue Images
While the Rogue has received a few details to spruce things up inside and out, its core attributes remain. The Rogue's 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides decently strong acceleration with the CVT—just under nine seconds, according to some tests—and it comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While the CVT allows better fuel economy, its rubber-band-like feel could leave some drivers uneasy. And while the CVT responds quickly to prods of the throttle, hard acceleration is punctuated by a coarse drone from the engine. The Rogue maneuvers well, with a quick, almost nimble feel, but at higher speeds it becomes abundantly clear this vehicle is tuned more for ride than handling.
