2012 Nissan Rogue Review

This 2012 Nissan Rogue video review compares it to other compact crossover SUV models. We talk about safety, fuel economy, price and interior space.

If you're looking for a comfortable economy crossover with a remarkably upscale interior that's also unusually fun to drive, the Nissan Rogue is a strong contender.

Pricing starts around $22,000 for a base front-wheel-drive Rogue S and tops out at about $30,000 for a fully loaded all-wheel-drive SV model. This Rogue SV with the SL package costs about $29,000.

The Nissan Rogue drives more like a small, quick car than a well-appointed crossover. It feels smooth and capable on the road. You won't feel small road imperfections in the cabin, but you will hear the transmission's annoyingly buzzy drone when pushing the car hard on the highway.

And while competitors beat it on cargo capacity and rear-seat versatility, the Rogue is a much nicer place to be and much more engaging to drive.

Unlike some of its rivals, the Rogue's rear seat does not slide or recline, which can take it off the consideration list of small families and others looking for maximum utility. The curvaceous exterior styling also limits rear visibility and maximum cargo capacity, which is a significantly smaller 57.9 cubic feet.

But in government crash testing the Nissan Rogue earned four out of five stars for overall crash protection and frontal-impact protection, and five stars for side impacts.

The Rogue's four-cylinder is your only engine option, but unless you regularly drive in the mountains or carry a lot of heavy loads, you probably won't long for a V6. Fuel economy is on-par with the Rogue's competitors.

If maximum cargo space and rear-seat functionality aren't high on your priority list and you like to stand out from the crowd, you may be attracted to the Nissan Rogue's winning combination of distinctive exterior styling, interior refinement, and agile road handling.