Devon test drives his top pick in compact crossovers

This will be the shortest intro ever. The Nissan Rogue is our top pick in the compact crossover segment. Here’s why.

Performance: The only engine choice offered with the Rogue is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 170hp mated to a continuously variable transmission. This engine is all you’ll ever really need. There’s plenty of pick up around town and on the highway. Plus fuel economy is actually really good too. We’d personally prefer a diesel engine option but that would be nitpicking.

On the road: The Rogue isn’t as sharp to drive as a Volkswagen Tiguan or Ford Escape but it does its intended job well. Around town the ride comfort can be a bit jittery but it’s far from annoying. On the highway the ride comfort smoothens out. Steering is communicative and weighs up nicely. Refinement is one of the Rogue’s strong points. Road and wind noise are well suppressed. You’d think that you were in a more expensive luxury crossover. The CVT transmission often at times makes the engine sound buzzy but this is far from intrusive.

Behind the wheel: There’s plenty of adjustment for the driver to get comfortable behind the wheel of the Rogue. Everything in the dashboard is easy to reach and logically placed. The infotainment screen can be distracting at first but once you get used to it, it becomes a breeze to operate. The Rogue is the best choice for small families that need versatility. There’s plenty of space for five with a spacious boot. If you need to carry two extra people you can option for a third-row seat. Although it is nice that Nissan offers this. The third row is best left for kids or short journeys for adults.

Equipment: The Rogue is well equipped for the money. Standard S trim has Bluetooth, rear-view parking camera and LED daytime running lamps. SV trim adds push button start, 17inch alloy wheels and dual zone automatic climate control. Top of the range SL trim adds 18inch alloy wheels, navigation system and leather appointed seats. All-wheel-drive is optional across the range.

Buying & Owning: The Rogue is priced roughly with its competition which may seem a bit pricey. But with strong resale value you will be reassured of your investment. Fuel economy is actually best in class so your running costs should be low if you stick with the two-wheel-drive form. We think the all-wheel-drive option is best avoided unless you really need the extra traction.

Quality & safety: Everything feels so solid and well built in the cabin. Many of the materials used feel classy and long lasting. Nissan has scored very well in reliability as well. All versions of the Rogue have six-airbags, stability control and emergency brake assist. Lane-departure warning as well as collision warning systems is offered as an option. Immobilizer helps protect against thieves.

The Nissan Rogue is a compelling option in a sea of compact crossovers. If you are looking for the most sensible choice with good fuel economy, snazzy looks and is well put together. The Nissan Rogue is the perfect choice. So it’s no wonder why it is our top pick for compact crossovers.

Likes: Fuel economy is best in class. Exterior and interior are classy and well put together. Third row seat can be had as an option for the Rogue.

Dislikes: A diesel engine option or a more powerful engine option would be nice. But these are just nitpicks really.

Devon’s Pick: SV trim offers keyless start, 17inch alloy wheels and automatic climate control. You may have to pay extra for this trim. But we feel that this one offers the best overall compared to the S and SL.