They grow up so fast. This is the all-new 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD.
Want a shock? Take a look at what the Nissan Rogue looked like when it was starting out 14 years ago.
But we're not just going for the easy stuff here---of course the Rogue is better than it was nearly a decade and a half ago. What earns it "Most Improved Player" awards here is how much better it is than the last generation Rogue.
The 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the old one? Gone. Replaced by a 201-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo four. That's 31 very noticeable horsepower. And fuel economy has improved as well---from an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon combined city/highway in the old Rogue to 31 in the new. All-wheel drive models get an intelligent AWD system and selectable drive and terrain modes.
Admittedly our tester was a top-of-the-line Platinum AWD, and I'll stipulate that I'm a sucker for saddle tan interiors, but the re-design of the interior would look great even in base trim---equipped like this, I'm surprised this level of opulence wasn't reserved for an Infiniti variant.
Base price of the 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD is $39,935 including destination, and it's very well equipped at that price, with standard equipment including a comprehensive active safety suite, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats (heated in the front), a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, a hands-free power liftgate, a 12-inch touchscreen with Bose premium audio and Alexa built in, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, DLRs and taillamp and a panoramic moonroof.
Our tester did have some extra cost options---external ground lighting cost $620, the Scarlet Ember paint was $395, floor mats, a two-piece cargo area protector, setback protector and first aid kit added $425, illuminated kick plates were $400, interior accent lighting cost $350, a frameless rearview mirror with universal remote was $400 and the Platinum Premium Package (head-up display, tri-zone automatic temperature control and heated rear seats) put another $620 on the tab. Bottom line: $43,145.
Anytime a compact SUV crosses the $40,000 as equipped mark, eyebrows raise. But this car, as equipped, is worth that price. And judicious choices in options can bring it in for less---as can choosing FWD instead of AWD or a lower trim level. Whichever approach you take, the new Rogue is unlike any Rogue that has come before. This isn't just "most improved player"---it's a contender.
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