Car Review: Nissan Rogue goes from slow to respectable with a power upgrade for 2023

2023 Nissan Rogue
The 2023 Nissan Rouge Platinum — the popular compact crossover sports a two-tone paint job and 19-inch wheels. (WTOP / Mike Parris)

When I drove the new-look Rogue back in 2021, I really liked what Nissan did to the compact crossover. However, I couldn’t help but notice that the power didn’t see an upgrade until now.

The 2023 Rogue’s smaller 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged engine now has over 200hp. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but there’s more pep when you hit the gas. It also has improved gas mileage, even with the added power. Hitting the road in the 2023 Rogue provides a nice driving experience with a comfortable ride. However, there seems to be a bit more road and wind noise on the highway than some of the competition.

Nissan originally gave Rogue a bold look with more squared styling and it’s still wearing nicely, even after the redesign. The Rogue Platinum model comes with large 19-inch wheels that work nicely, with a more muscular and blocky body. The top-of-the-line model has distinctive LED lighting elements and a two-tone paint scheme.

What really moved me is the interior. While the space was always a plus, the interior materials in the Rogue Platinum trim level are impressive. Quilted leather seats provide great comfort in the compact crossover class. I liked the two-color scheme and wood. The aluminum trim pieces go further to dress up the Nissan crossover nicely. Cargo space is also a bonus of the Rogue crossover. The rear seats easily create even more space when needed. Alexa is built in for easier voice control in 2023.

Cost: $38,540; as tested $43,106

MPG: 28 MPG City; 34 MPG Highway. I managed 29.6 in 377 miles of mixed driving.

Options: $620 platinum premium package; $350 two tone paint; $400 frameless rearview mirror with universal remote; $620 external ground lighting; $350 interior accent lighting; $400 illuminated kicks plates; $425 floor mats, 2-piece cargo area protector

Safety: Rear sonar system; ProPILOT assist & Navi link; steering assist; intelligent cruise control with full speed; automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; intelligent forward collision warning; rear automatic braking; blind spot warning; rear cross traffic alert; lane departure warning; intelligent lane intervention; high beam assist; traffic sign recognition; rear door alert

Things to know: Nissan remade a better Rogue than before. The slow Rogue now has some more pep to better compete in the crowded small crossover market.

Pros:

  • Bold styling will help the Rogue standout in the crowded field
  • More power from a new smaller engine
  • Gets good fuel economy even when equipped with AWD

Cons:

  • There is wind noise at highway speeds
  • Some people might find back seat legroom lacking
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