Nissan Rogue 2022 Review

The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that is the company's top-selling vehicle. It was redesigned last year, and we liked the added comfort, storage space and available technology so much that we moved near the top of our small SUV rankings. Now for its sophomore year, this latest-generation Rogue receives a new engine that's more powerful and promises improved fuel economy.

This new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine packs 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque — a boost of 20 hp and 44 lb-ft over the previous non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It also comes with Nissan's variable compression ratio design feature. As seen on the Altima sedan, it can change its compression ratio in real time, enabling it to enhance fuel efficiency or engine power, depending on conditions and driver demand.

The 2022 Rogue definitely delivers on the fuel economy front, with the base front-wheel-drive model getting EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, a 3 mpg leap over the 2021 model. The engine is also paired to a new continuously variable automatic transmission, with wider gear ratio coverage and other updates that Nissan says contribute to better mpg and responsiveness.

We're glad Nissan has introduced a new engine for the Rogue because the old one felt underpowered. In our brief drive of the 2022 Rogue, the added power and torque — Nissan says it has the most of any standard gas engine in its class — imparted confidence. You'll have no problem passing when you're out running errands or merging on the highway or essentially doing the type of driving that you're expecting to do if you’re on the hunt for a spacious, comfortable small SUV.

The Rogue's fresh style and generous amount of features help it stand out from its rivals, and the new engine's extra oomph only strengthens the offering for 2022. On the feature front, every Rogue has an impressive number of standard driver assist features, such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, as well as entertainment technology including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. On the top Platinum trim you'll find quilted leather seats and a head-up display. Still, the Rogue faces top-tier contenders including the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5. Once we're able to do a full test and evaluation, we'll see if it moves up further in our rankings.

Which Rogue does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a five-passenger small SUV sold in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. All are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 225 lb-ft of torque) mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, and all-wheel drive is available on all trims.

S The base Rogue S is fairly well equipped, with standard features that include:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• Rear air vents
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Four-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
• Satellite radio
• Two USB ports

The Rogue's suite of advanced driving aids is branded as Nissan Safety Shield. Safety Shield consists of:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
• Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

SV The next-level SV is rich with comfort and safety features, including:

• 18-inch wheels
• Remote engine start
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated mirrors with body-colored caps
• Six-speaker audio system
• Two rear-seat charge-only USB ports
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Nissan and the car in front)

The SV Premium package further adds:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Power liftgate
• Roof rails
• Faux leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Faux leather upholstery
• Second-row sunshades

SL The luxe SL gets all of the features of the SV and SV Premium package plus:

• 19-inch wheels
• Hands-free operation for the liftgate
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Leather upholstery
• Dual-panel cargo floor
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Rogue and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

The SL Premium package upgrades the Rogue with:

• Navigation system
• 9-inch touchscreen
• 10-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Voice controls
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Navigation system-linked adaptive cruise control system

Platinum The range-topping Platinum offers:

• SL Premium package
• Digital instrument panel
• Heated rear seats with remote seat release lever
• Upgraded leather upholstery with quilted stitching
• Wireless charging pad

The only stand-alone option available for the Platinum is a head-up display, which displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield.