Review: 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Gets a New Fuel-Stingy Powertrain

Nissan introduced a new 2017 Rogue Hybrid model and we’ll get to see how it performs in the high altitude of Colorado this week. This gives Rogue SUV consumers another powertrain choice, and one that’s a lot more fuel-stingy. We’ll check out fuel-mileage projections and how the hybrid performs in all driving situations.

This week we drive the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid SL with all-wheel-drive.

What’s new for 2016?

The 2017 Nissan Rogue gets updated styling, convenience, technology and safety features. The big news is a new Rogue Hybrid joins the lineup. It’s the first-ever hybrid powertrain for the small SUV.

Like its stablemate, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology, and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features.

Features and options

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid ($32,510) comes in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. It comes standard with 6-way power driver’s seat, leather seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, and a 7-inch color touch screen. It also features Nissan’s full suite of safety features including blind-spot warning and rear cross traffic alert systems.

Other features include a 9-speaker Bose premium audio, push-button start, heated outside mirrors, motion activated rear lift gate, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels and remote engine start system. This tester came with the optional Premium Package that included a power panoramic moonroof and forward emergency braking system ($1,520). Total MSRP including destination: $35,590.

Interior highlights

Stepping inside the 2017 Rogue Hybrid, we immediately noticed the redesigned front center console, new trim finishers, D-shaped steering wheel, and a new sport mode shifter with leather boot. This tester came with an Almond-colored cabin accented with attractive dark trim pieces. We appreciated the abundance of soft-touch quality materials through the cabin, heated steering wheel and heated front seats we used this week as temperatures are dropping in the high country west of Denver. We didn’t like the memory seats that self-adjust every time we got inside the Hybrid. We didn’t have the car long enough to figure out how to re-program them. It’s a tough life being an automotive journalist. One other complaint we have is with the transmission mode, heated steering wheel and power lift gate switches located on the left side under the steering wheel. It’s hard to reach down and keep your eyes on the road while making transmission adjustments when you are driving.

Our passengers loved the panoramic sunroof, roomy back seat with plenty of leg and head room for our taller adults. There’s also good visibility out the back and sides of the new Rogue. The crossover offers abundant passenger and cargo flexibility with Nissan’s innovative EZ Flex Seating System and Divide-N-Hide Cargo System. The rear seats easily fold flat with the pull of a handle on top of the rear seat if you need additional cargo carrying ability.

There is a small loss of cargo room due to the hybrids battery under the cargo area, but it’s barely noticeable compared to the standard model. The hybrid offers up, 61.4 cu. ft behind the first row, and 27.3 cubes behind the second row. 3-row 7-passenger capability is available for families needing extra passenger-carrying abilities. Families will particularly like the motion activated rear lift gate making it easy if your hands are full. We needed to load a large picture frame in the back, and with both hands full, we used the “kick sensor” to easily activate the lift gate.

Engine and fuel mileage specs

The heart of the Rogue Hybrid drivetrain features a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine coupled with a one-motor, two-clutch control and a compact lithium-ion battery. The system's gasoline engine is rated at 141 horsepower and 144 lb. ft of torque, while the system’s 30 kW electric motor is rated at 40 horsepower and 118 lb. ft of torque. The hybrid system’s net power is 176 horsepower. A Xtronic transmission with manual gear shifts and standard Sport and Eco Mode switches send power to all four wheels.

Nissan is projecting fuel economy for the hybrid to be 31/34 city/highway mpg and 33 combined mpg (FWD). The standard Rogue gets an estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

Driving dynamics

As we commuted around town, the Rogue Hybrid performed like the gas-powered SUV. But there’s a noticeable improvement in acceleration due to the electric motor's instant torque when pulling away from a light or when you needed extra power getting on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine provided plenty of power in gas-only mode in city driving. In stop-and-go traffic is where the hybrid system shines as we stayed in electric mode and saved fuel. Go to Page 2.

On the highway, the Rogue’s powertrain is efficient and wind noise was kept to a minimum at top speeds making long road trips enjoyable. When we stepped on the gas to pass slower traffic heading up I-70 into the mountains, the CVT automatic keeps the engine rpm high and power is sufficient for most driving situations. The Xtronic CVT has a Sport mode that simulates a more conventional automatic which we used when pushing hard up the mountain roads. In the city, we put it in Eco mode for extra fuel-efficiency.

The Rogue Hybrid’s suspension is compliant and offers a smooth ride over sharp handling. We pushed the crossover hard in the tight mountain corners and the Rogue does have some body lean. For families living in urban environments, the Rogue offers up a comfortable ride and will be a good city commuter. The ride is a bit firmer with the standard 18-inch wheels, but overall, comfort and fuel-efficiency is what this SUV is about.

Conclusion

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid SL AWD is a capable family commuter offering plenty of cargo and seating flexibility. On the road, the SUV is smooth, comfortable and has the power needed for most driving situations. It comes with user-friendly tech options, has an upscale look and feel, and offers all-weather capability with the all-wheel-drive option. The new Rogue hybrid gives consumers another powertrain choice, and one that’s a lot more fuel-stingy.