Driven
By TOM VOELK
TRENDS ebb and flow in the automotive world. A decade back, being seen in a Prius was très chic. Now, with gasoline cheaper than bottled water, Americans are accessorizing their driveways with S.U.V.s and crossovers.
The segment might be fashion-forward, but as a whole it’s a thirsty bunch. Nissan’s Rogue, however, already among the most fuel-efficient in its segment, just became stingier with a gallon of gas with the arrival of a new hybrid model. The cars are expected to reach dealers late this month or early in January.
Compact sport utes are extremely popular, but only Rogue and Toyota’s RAV4 run with a gas/electric powertrain. Subaru rejected that version of the XV Crosstrek recently and Ford hasn’t made a hybrid Escape in years.
A splash of cold water first: Neither RAV nor Rogue deliver Prius’s 50-mile-per-gallon frugality. Then again, they don’t look like a Prius either. Hey, fashion is important. You’re not wearing a Members Only jacket anymore. Are you?
Nissan thinks that when the Rogue Hybrid’s official Environmental Protection Agency numbers are released, the all-wheel-drive version I drove will snag a rating of 31 miles per gallon city and 34 highway, which is what I saw in a week of driving. Averaging 33 m.p.g., it is only 6 m.p.g. better than a standard Rogue and bests the RAV4 Hybrid by a whisker (though the Toyota wins in the city cycle).
Nissan’s hybrid system starts with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 30kW electric motor for 176 total horsepower. A unique setup employs two clutches, one between the gas engine and electric motor (effectively standing in for the torque converter) and a second between the motor and a continuously variable transmission.
Generally, turning existing vehicles into hybrids cannibalizes the trunk. Rogue’s lithium-ion battery pack occupies the space where in gasoline models an optional third row of seating can go — although those seats are best suited to kindergartners or people even smaller. But the battery housing raises the load floor only a smidgen, so cargo space remains much the same.
Motors and batteries add 180 pounds, but the torquey electric motor offers sufficient grunt off the line to keep it as quick as the gas-only model. Going from 0 to 60 miles an hour in nine seconds doesn’t set land speed records, but the Rogue Hybrid feels spunky bopping about town. The suspension is dialed toward the comfy side. So, predictably, there’s some body roll in hard maneuvers.
The hybrid system’s operation is as smooth as the ride. But stomp on the throttle and there’s a lag before the powertrain gets the urgent message. Seems to me it’s those two clutches trying to figure how to divide power. In normal driving, though, it’s not an issue.
Brake pedal modulation between power regeneration (which charges the battery) and the physical disc brakes transitions gracefully. An LCD display shows where the power is coming from or going to, and a needle in the gauge cluster encourages a light throttle touch. With a well-charged battery, Rogue can skulk around the neighborhood under purely electrical power for two minutes at speeds under 25 miles per hour. It’s not something I understand, but by all means have fun.
All 2017 Rogues, hybrid or not, have received a solid freshening. The front has an even bolder version of Nissan’s V-Motion grille and the back gets a slight nip and tuck.
The cabin updates are more noticeable, dressed up with a steering wheel that is flattened at the bottom (you rogue you!) plus cut-and-sewn instrument panel sections. Top-tier SL models can be had with a safety technology package of autobraking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. At $2,800, the tech is worth every penny if it prevents just one bad encounter. And that package throws in a panoramic glass roof.
My adult friends never complained about legroom in the fixed rear seat. There’s no power port or heated cushion option to pamper them, though.
When Rogue Hybrid hits dealerships, expect a price premium of $1,000. I would estimate my fully optioned SL AWD tester in the $36,000 range. A front-drive model should be available for under 30K.
Rogue Hybrid offers the form factor buyers want these days along with good fuel economy. And efficiency is always in fashion.
Driven: Video Review: Nissan’s Rogue Joins the Toyota RAV4’s Hybrid S.U.V. Club
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