2022 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD Review: Small Family, Values

The time has come to replace the family chariot and the hunt for its successor is in full swing.

Currently, we own a vehicle that far exceeds our needs; a three-row crossover SUV. It’s excessive for a family of three with a small dog, and never would have been our first choice. But during my time with a previous employer, corporate discounts led to an amazing lease rate that positioned our current eight-seater SUV at a price point that was lower than any compact sedan.

This time around though, there are no corporate incentives swaying our decision. We’re ready to replace our exceedingly large automotive conveyance with something a bit more right sized. One of the vehicles that has made our short list is the 2022 Nissan Rogue.

Recently, we were impressed with the Rogue during a comparison test against the Mazda CX-5. Although the CX-5 claimed the narrowest of victories, there was no denying the Rogue’s value for money, comfort, and practicality as a family hauler.

But more importantly, the Nissan we had on hand for that comparison test was a 2021 Rogue. That means it still utilized the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and not the new 1.5-liter variable compression turbocharged unit found in the 2022 Rogue. With more power and better fuel efficiency, could this new engine make a very good compact SUV even better? We needed to find out, both to inform you, our readers, and to determine if the Rogue is indeed the right candidate to become our new family hauler.

The Rogue is remarkably quiet inside, a feat achieved in part due to the new engine. The front seats are comfortable, offering good overall support while still providing ample cushion in all the right places. Headroom is listed at 39.2-inches front and rear with the panoramic moonroof. It’s class competitive and this author had no issue getting his 6-foot frame behind the wheel.

Rear seat legroom is officially rated at 38.5-inches, which is a bit low for the class, but we had no issues in the spacious rear seat. Cargo capacity is short of the segment leaders, but with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, it is still in the upper half of the class. Fold the rear seat-backs down and cargo capacity balloons up to 72.9 cubic Feet.

Despite the Platinum trim level including large 19-inch wheels with 235/55R19 tires, the ride quality of the vehicle is quite supple. Bumps are swallowed up with ease and broken cracks in the pavement do not reverberate through the body structure.

The steering effort was stiffer than I expected; a pleasant surprise for yours truly, but some might prefer a less-weighted experience. The vehicle though is exceedingly easy to drive and operate. Nothing is complicated within the various interior interfaces and functions, and the Rogue accelerates, steers, and stops predictably.

All the usual high-tech safety equipment is included on the Rogue Platinum. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, blind sport warning and intervention, around view monitor, and rear automatic braking are all present and accounted for.

As mentioned earlier, the biggest news for the 2022 model year is the addition of a new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Yes, you read that right, a three-cylinder. But don’t scoff at a mere three-pot powering a 3,700 lbs. SUV, as this engine incorporates variable compression turbocharging.

Without diverging into a technical diatribe, variable compression turbocharging is a clever new take on some existing technologies. In the most basic of terms, it’s another solution to give the most power at various engines speeds while using the least amount of fuel.

The official ratings for the engine are 201hp and 225 lb-ft. of torque. That puts it above most engines found in mainstream compact SUVs. Only electrified or performance orientated engines exceed the Rogues’ power output. And best of all, it only requires regular grade gasoline.

Around town, the new three-cylinder works just as advertised with plenty of low-end grunt. Leaving from a dead stop is effortless and requires minimal throttle input. But it didn’t feel as powerful as the numbers would suggest, and at higher vehicle speeds, it got worse.

The engine lacked the flexible I was hoping for. Full throttle acceleration at highway speeds was delayed, tepid, and felt no quicker than competitors with less powerful engines.

But it’s important to mention that Road Test Editor Kyle Patrick came away impressed with the new engine during a first drive earlier this year. He claimed that at highway speeds, the engine produced “…solid progress, (with) the Rogue easily getting up to passing speed.”

One thing that can’t be disputed is how much quieter the new engine is under operation. At lower rpm it’s almost in audible. Push it into the higher rev range, and there is that unmistakable three-cylinder growl, but it is never a nuisance nor overly loud. Even the continuously variable transmission spends most of its time quietly hidden in the background.

Another great benefit of the new engine is improved fuel economy. Rated at 28 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg overall, the new turbo has improved on the old engine’s efficiency by 3 mpg in all categories. It also puts the Rogue higher than key gasoline-powered competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester. Still, it would be nice to see a Rogue Hybrid in the future using this engine paired to an electric motor.

After a week with the 2022 Nissan Rogue, it reaffirmed my belief that this is a solid all-around family vehicle. It’s a SUV for those making a rationale vehicle purchase, not an emotional one. To paraphrase my wife, it’s a vehicle that nicely blends into the background of family life. Not always top of mind, but always there when you need it.

It provides above average comfort, useful utility, and user-friendly operation. Improved fuel-economy and a quieter driving experience are just welcome bonuses. My expectations on power delivery may not have been met, but it wouldn’t be enough to keep me from recommending this SUV.

As my family moves forward on our future vehicle decision, the Nissan Rogue remains on the short list of candidates.