The 2008 Nissan Rogue has finally hit dealer showrooms. The what, you say? The Nissan Rogue: the company’s totally new, small crossover vehicle, built on the Sentra’s underpinning. This car has been highly anticipated, particularly since Nissan first hinted about it nearly a year ago. The Rogue is the company’s first small crossover vehicle, and it’s designed to be positioned against cars like the Toyota RAV-4 and the Honda CR-V. The Rogue is offered with just one engine option, and it’s basically the same 2.5-liter powerplant that propels the Altima. Still, acceleration is quite spunky, particularly when you consider that the vehicle is small and runs on only four cylinders. There aren’t any transmission choices, either; every Rogue comes with a CVT automatic. You can, however, order the Rogue with an all-wheel-drive chassis (rather than the standard front-wheel-drive build combination). Nissan is also offering optional “sport-style” steering wheel lever-design paddle-shifters, if you’re looking to add a dash of whimsy to your driving experience. Frankly, I think paddle shifters on a crossover are a waste of engineering dollars and smarts. After all, the Rogue isn’t designed to compete with Porsches! The money would be better spent on other accessories and creature comforts.

The vehicle’s exterior appearance can best be described as a “miniature Murano” (however, my sources tell me that the Murano will likely get some major changes in the 2009 model year). The interior cabin is very quiet – a feature that definitely goes squarely in the “plus” column. The Rogue’s confident ride owes to seventeen-inch tires and electric power steering. Capable cornering on this fairly high-profile crossover is yet another sign of quality. The safety-feature list is rounded out by a computer-controlled, automatic, dynamic stability system. This is designed to keep everything on the level during adverse driving conditions. The driver-oriented cockpit looks good, plus has a large gauge package to lend extra visibility. This factory-installed feature comes at no extra charge to the consumer, which is a very nice touch. Nissan describes the Rogue as “ultra-functional,” and I agree with that assessment. The second row is roomy, the rear cargo area is nicely engineered, and the front passenger seat folds flatly forward – creating a nifty instant work station. The oversize center console pen can hold plenty of goodies, too (although it’s a shame it’s not lockable). The in-dash glove box is also very large.

The Rogue is sold in two trim levels and gets better mileage than most of its competitors, while delivering more power. Posted figures show 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. This five-passenger vehicle starts at just $20,000, making it a perfect choice for a young family on the go.

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