Used 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a compact 2-row crossover SUV. For 2022, the Rogue appears unchanged – until you lift the hood or take a drive, that is. That’s when you’ll discover an all-new engine and transmission.

A new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder version of the VC-Turbo direct-gasoline injected engine (201 horsepower/225 lb-ft of torque) links with a revised Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The increased power isn’t transformational, but it is welcome. At 33 mpg combined, the 2022 Rogue is also more fuel-efficient than 2021, and indeed, better than its competitive set.

Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.

That puts the Nissan right in the crosshairs of the formidable Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, two sales and quality leaders in the class, which also includes the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, and several other small SUVs.

Last year, the Rogue got high marks for its improved handling and comfort on the road, and those features carry on into the new model year.

Meanwhile, the 2021’s 181-horsepower engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) received milder praise from our expert reviewer, who called it “competent enough.” Nissan must have heard the same comment from enough sources because the 2022 Rogue gets an all-new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine and a new Xtronic CVT to boot.

The VC-Turbo is a 3-cylinder version of the variable compression turbocharged gasoline powerplant, which debuted in the Infiniti Q50 and Nissan Altima, and which is now spreading through both lineups.

The VC-Turbo concept is a mechanical, rather than software actuated, way of changing the compression ratio in the engine dynamically. The process is seamless to the driver, entirely behind the scenes, yet results in increased power and improved fuel economy.

The Rogue squeezes 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque out of the 1.5-liter engine (increases of 11% and 24% respectively over the outgoing engine) and is rated to deliver 33 mpg combined (a 3 mpg increase).

Getting the Rogue over the 200-horsepower line is a marketing win, for sure, but it also replaces the “competent enough” description with “lively and eager.”

The new Xtronic continuously variable transmission has been massaged to match, with wider gear coverage and lower friction than before. These expansions and improvements yield benefits where most drivers will notice them most – when launching from a standing start. The Rogue now leaps from a standstill in direct proportion to the driver’s input, feeling more like it has a traditional geared transmission than a slightly mushy CVT.

Droning at cruising speeds is still a minor annoyance, but only for drivers who are not CVT fans in general. Most drivers will never notice a problem and will be so pleased with the Rogue’s fuel economy they won’t be looking for reasons to complain.

Last year’s complete makeover served the Rogue well, and the 2022 version carries on with the same interior. The Zero Gravity front seats are a highlight with a good blend of comfort and support. The second row is appropriately sized for a compact crossover, with adequate headroom and legroom for average adults.

The center console’s butterfly-style lid and cubby space below are both welcome, benefitting from the electronic gear selector. Large 32-ounce bottles can fit in each of the Rogue’s four door pockets, and the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, making it easier to install a baby seat.

Rogue’s cargo area can hold up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row. With the seat folded, the cargo capacity increases to 74.1 cubic feet.

The top model, the Platinum, uses digital gauges and beautiful semi-aniline interior leather with quilted diamond-pattern stitching, a near-luxury touch we’d expect in an Infiniti model but a pleasant surprise in a Nissan.

The 2022 Rogue’s exterior design carries over from 2021, when the compact SUV got a complete makeover. The Rogue fits nicely into the Nissan lineup, between the smaller Rogue Sport and larger Murano, and shares a fresh, modern design aesthetic. The Rogue is attractive without being flashy or breaking the current mold for 2-row, compact crossover SUVs.

The 2022 Rogue announces itself with a tasteful version of Nissan’s trademark V-Motion grille and a “floating” roof. Active grille shutters, front air curtains, and underbody covers lurk beneath, behind, and below, helping to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise.

The Rogue’s LED headlights are just below the running lights but above the fog lamps. The running lights are those thin slits up high on the nose of the vehicle. They also incorporate the turn signals.

NEW ENGINE
We have been impressed with the 4-cylinder versions of the VC-Turbo in the Infiniti Q50, QX50, and Nissan Altima, and the new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder VC-Turbo in the 2022 Rogue has a similar character and advantages. Its 201 horsepower, 225 lb-ft of torque, and 33 mpg combined are a collection of numbers to reckon with.

ZERO GRAVITY SEATS
A carryover feature from 2021, the Rogue’s Zero Gravity seats are notably comfortable and supportive, with adjustability to fine-tune the fit for a wide variety of bodies.

At the base level, the 2021 Nissan Rogue S gets LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, the Safety Shield 360 safety suite, and an 8-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Rogue SV comes with ProPilot Assist, NissanConnect, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment.

The Rogue SL upgrades to leather interior trim, 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a 360-degree camera, tri-zone climate control, a power front passenger seat, and a memory for the driver’s seat and steering wheel position.

The Rogue Platinum comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge package, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and seats upholstered with a diamond-quilted semi-aniline leather. The Rogue Platinum also gets wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto still requires a USB connection), wireless smartphone charging, and a premium Bose audio system. The Platinum’s ProPilot Assist with Navi-link can adjust the Rogue’s speed based on map data, such as an upcoming bend in the highway.

The SV Premium Package can be added to the SV model, upgrading to include the panoramic moonroof, PrimaTex seating surfaces, a power liftgate, and roof rails.

The SL Premium Package augments the SL model with Bose Premium audio, a 9-inch center display with navigation, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link.

The 2022 Rogue comes with just one engine/transmission combination. A new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo 3-cylinder direct gasoline injection engine gets hooked up to a new Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive is the default; all trim levels can be upgraded to all-wheel drive for an additional $1,500. Even though the new engine is turbocharged, the 2022 Rogue does not require premium fuel.

1.5-liter turbocharged I-3
201 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
225 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30/37 mpg (FWD), 28/35 mpg (AWD)