Rental Car Review: 2024 Nissan Rogue
Twenty minutes is never enough to drive a vehicle that has already provided some positive feedback. I liked it so much that I needed more time behind the wheel.
Sometimes you get the right spin on the Rental Car Roulette wheel.
The ball landed on a manufacturer and a specific brand’s best-selling vehicle that I always had my eye on to work with again.
Again?
Earlier this year at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, I had a brief chance to drive the updated 2024 Nissan Rogue. The Platinum trim level offers oodles of luxurious appointments wrapped in a well-executed package.
Twenty minutes is never enough to truly explore a vehicle that has already provided some positive feedback. I liked it so much that I needed more time behind the wheel of the 2024 Rogue.
With that in mind, I spun the Rental Car Roulette wheel recently and came up with a wish fulfilled. I drove off with a 2024 Rouge SV with all-wheel drive – perhaps the volume seller for Nissan among all Rogue trim levels.
Let me tell you this: It confirmed everything I experienced in the Rogue back in May. It’s really a good popular-sized SUV.
What I liked about the Rogue is seen in volumes. The exterior design is upright, mature, useful, and very handsome. This is further confirmed with the updated front end and its new horizontal slatted grille. The lightning signature is solid with its LED units emitting the night sky. The rear end is modern with sleek taillamp units.
The SV rides on a set of handsome black and chrome 18-inch alloy wheels. It really gives this popular trim a more upmarket look. You can say that the Rogue looks more expensive than it should, but that is what we want…right?
Inside the Rogue is a comfortable, useful, and tactile cabin. For the driver, there is an instrument cluster flanked by two larger analog dials with a wide digital information screen in the middle. Controls are placed strategically across the dashboard and center console. Just remember that the ignition button is at the base of the center console and the shifter uses a sliding mechanism.
SV models get an 8-inch NissanConnect-driven touchscreen on top of the center stack. There is Apple CarPlay integration, but through a USB-C cord. Sound reproduction was very nice through the standard six-speaker set. If you want the larger 12.3-inch display and wireless smartphone connectivity, you will have to upgrade to the SL or Platinum models.
The cloth seats were very comfortable. They also privoded plenty of support, and bolstering. The back seats were equally comfortable with superb head and leg room. Cargo space starts with 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Folding down those seatbacks will give you up to 74.1 cubic feet of expanded cargo space. I
Based on my brief experience with the Rogue Platinum back in May, I knew I was going to enjoy this extended run with this VC-Turbo engine. Underneath every hood of the 2024 Rouge is a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with Nissan’s variable compression technology. It also puts down 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission with power sent to all four wheels.
This engine is just absolutely superb! Power delivery was very smooth and quiet. It does everything you ask it to do without hesitation or lag. I must say that the VC-turbo three-pot engine punches above its weight. Plus, the CVT does a good job in power transfer and delivery. It is also efficient, turning in an average of 30.3 MPG.
The overall driving experience was just simply wonderful. The 2024 Rogue rode very smoothly. The suspension absorbed road imperfections with ease. It also took on the curves with confidence. Evasive maneuvers were quick and responsive.
The steering system offered a tighter turning radius that was easy to rudder. On-center feel was solid and confident. Brake pedal was also good. In turn, the system yielded strong stopping performance in normal and panic situations.
You have four trim levels available on the 2024 Nissan Rogue. Pricing starts from $28,250. If you were to buy this specific Rogue SV AWD based ion its specification, the sticker price would come to $33,430.
You see, the 2024 Nissan Rogue ticks a lot of boxes. It looks smart, comfortable to drive, safe, spacious, practical, and a great value. This could be the mid-size (this is what they’re calling this size class these days) SUV you would want to own over the better-known competitors.
If you are traveling and need an SUV with plenty of space for everyone, don’t say “no” to the Rogue. I guarantee that you’ll enjoy your time in one.
There is one more thing…and to put this within context of this part of the work at V&R…but I’ve ran into some customer service issues with my normal rental car provider. I will not name the company, but they have been really frustrating to work with on billing and other customer service-related issues. There may be a change in rental car providers upon the next spin of the wheel. Then again…who knows?
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle rented by Victory & Reseda
All photos by Randy Stern