2017 Nissan Rogue / Rogue Hybrid

Nissan’s been on a sales tear with its Rogue crossover. With the arrival of the refreshed 2017 Rogue as well as a new Rogue hybrid model, the compact crossover is poised to surpass the Altima to become Nissan’s bestselling model.

Changes to the exterior include a new front fascia with Nissan’s V-motion grille, flanked by new quad-element headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The body sides get a new chrome garnish at ankle level, while revised taillamps and a new rear bumper design tidy up the back end. Rogue SL models are available with new 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the Rogue gets a new flat-bottom steering wheel, a leather shifter boot, an available heated steering wheel, and a driver's seat/mirror memory function. Other enhancements include remote engine start, new trim bits for the door panels and instrument cluster, a new shift-knob design, a revised center console and console lid, and new seat fabric. Also new is a Platinum Reserve Interior package for Rogue SL models that brings tan leather upholstery and special quilted leather inserts for the seats.

The gasoline-powered 2017 Nissan Rogue, which should be at dealers by the end of October, comes in three trim levels: S, SV, and SL, each offered in front- or all-wheel-drive form. The only available powertrain remains a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission with Eco and Sport modes. Fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for front-drivers, with all-wheel-drive models scoring 1 mpg lower in each metric.

The hybrid comes only in SV and SL trim and initially without the option of all-wheel drive, although that version will be added later. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 141 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque mated to a 40-hp electric motor; total system output is 176 horsepower. The hybrid model is expected to earn 33 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway. Visually, the hybrid and conventional models are identical save for hybrid badges on the front doors and liftgate. Nissan says the hybrid model will be available by the end of the year.

Other Roguish news involves the availability of radar-based blind-spot warning and rear-cross-traffic alert functions on the SV trim level (formerly only available on SL models), as well as lane-departure warning and prevention systems, which weren’t available on any Rogue before now. The aforementioned Platinum package also includes two other technologies new to the Rogue: active cruise control and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

We’ve never gotten particularly excited about the Rogue, but the addition of this more robust list of standard and available features, added style, and the fuel-sipping hybrid option can only improve the experience. Will these new features help it better compete against segment favorites like the Mazda CX-5, the Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V? We’ll let you know as soon as Nissan lets us behind the wheel of one.