2014
Nissan
Rogue
Masculine enough so the guys will like it, but with feminie touches we gals value, the completely redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue is the new standard for family transportation.
By Tara weingarten
10 Things To Know About Nissan Rogue
This 2nd generation Nissan Rogue has premium styling and a roomy interior for a value price. It comes in three grade levels: S, SV, and SL – from basic to luxe – with a fully-loaded top-of-the line SL priced at $32,700.
Great versitily in the second row seating, which slides back and forth a full nine inches to either make increased legroom or enhanced rear cargo space. There’s an optional third row seat bench, which increases the vehicles five-seat capacity to seating for seven.
Got dirty kids? The 2014 Nissan Rogue has a solution. For all their muddy, grimy, sports-soaked duds, put them in a specially-designed separate stowage unit in the cargo bay. Nissan’s Divide-‘N-Hide storage system is a two-piece customizable unit that allows you to easily separate wet and dry items. A pull-out plastic liner makes it simple to clean. There is also a shelf configuration, to separate the cargo area into two stories, essentaiily, so that large and heavy items fit below, and delicate items like groceries, that would otherwise be crushed, are secured atop the shelf.
Versatility in the 2014 Nissan Rogue carries through to seating mobility. The second row seats are split to lie flat in a 40-20-40 configuration. The center console is separated from the seats on either side, so that if you only need a sliver of extra long cargo space but still have a backseat passenger, he or she can keep the armrest intact, while the cargo is accomodated by just 40 percent of backseat space. And for super-long cargo, such as laddars, even the front passenger seat can lie flat to make room for a full eight feet of length.
The 2014 Nissan Rogue isn’t the fastest stallion in the barn. It is quick enough to merge onto highways, but no one will win any speed awards driving the Rogue.
Thanks to weight reductions in the new design, the new Nissan Rogue is 18 percent more fuel efficient than the out-going model. The new EPA figures state 26 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy. It drinks the cheap regular-grade 87 octane fuel.
Nissan has new “Zero Gravity” seats in the 2014 Rogue. The idea is that NASA’s engineers determined what good posture looks like in space’s weightless environment, and Nissan took that info to make the ultimate comfortable seats. They are supposed to reduce fatigue when seated for long periods.
My test drive was long enough to determine that the seats are super comfy, with gentle bolstering on the thighs and torso area. But I had a bit of an issue with the head restraint. I am 5’3″ and the head restraint was angled so that my chin was forced a bit into my chest. It wasn’t severe enough to be a deal breaker, but I noticed it. The head restraints are clearly made for taller drivers/riders, and they are not adjustable to angle in any other way. Quick-heat front seats are divine, and they really do heat up fast.
NissanConnect is the company’s proprietary connectivity system, which allows users to pair smartphone apps to the vehicle. Check Facebook, get nearby gas prices, see real-time traffic jams and get suggestions on how to avoid them, buy movie tickets from your car’s on-board 5″ screen (7″ in the Rogue SL).
The 2014 Nissan Rogue has excellent ride quality. Glides over bumps well, handles beautifully, and has a quiet cabin.
New soft-touch materials on the dashboard, and well-padded armrests, along with pleasing piano-black glossy finishes, look and feel great.
Final Thoughts
A solid family vehicle at the right price. Useful storage options, luxe styling, and a comfortable ride.
Versatility
Optional giant panoramic moonroof bathes light over backseat passengers
Lackluster acceleration