Finally test drove a Rogue (impressions)

[motoguy128]

My wife and I were on the fence about getting a sedan or a small SUV. If money was no issue, we'd get the Murano. But I'd like a little better mileage, smaller size and about $8000 lower sticker of the Rogue.

First we test drove a '08 Altima 2.5SL. Really liked the car. We have a '06 Altima S and it improves on that car in all areas. Quieter, better mileage, more power, better handling, along with the SL package including leather. Very impressed by the CVT on the 2.5. I had driven the Maxima and Murano and was sold on it's advantages on the V6.

Onto the Rogue. I still like the up high seating position. The car was very stable at freeway speeds (unlike the Santa Fe), I was able to get comfortable, but would have preferred a telescoping wheel. I missed the automatic climate control as well (both features offered on the CRV for the same price).

Now the bad news. I've never driven the Sentra, but I won a Versa. The NVH was closer to the Versa than the Altima. I understand that the Altima & Murano ar the "D" global platform and the Rogue is the "C", but the same drivetrain is much louder, the ride is choppier, and you can clearly feel the 300 extra lbs. and to a lesser degree the 5 HP disadvantage. It reminded me of my parent's '03 Highlander 4 cylinder in terms of overall refinement.

I was a little disapointed. I really wanted to like it, but it falls too far short in terms of refinement. The overall size and dimensions are perfect.

We drove out with a silver Altima 2.5SL. The Rogue is a great car, and when compared directly to the CRV and RAV4, it compares well, but against the D platform Altima, which similarly equipped is about $3000 less (with Altima incentives). We're willing to live without AWD, the higher seating position and 12 cu-ft of cargo room. On the positive, we save some on payments, get better mileage, more performance and more luxury features. If we lived 400 miles further north, the desire for AWD might have pushed us the other way.

[Cristen]

Whats NVH?

[philipa_240sx]

Whats NVH?

N = NoiseV = VibrationH = Harshness

I agree, the Rogue is not as quiet or 'smooth' as the Altima. IMHO, it is unfair to compare these 2 vehicles which are in 2 different classes. The Rogue is a sporty crossover/SUV with a short wheelbase, high centre of gravity, and somewhat stiffly tuned suspension. These attributes make it less smooth when driving as compared to the Altima... with a longer wheelbase, softer suspension and more attention payed to passenger comfort and noise levels.

I had an '03 Altima 2.5s for nearly 5yrs. It was smooth, comfortable, good on gas, and performed well with the 4 cyl engine. Why did I trade for the Rogue? I wanted more utility, ground clearance, and the cargo space of a hatchback vehicle. It fits better with my job and active lifestyle. I drive a lot (esp around muddy construction sites), carry boxes of material for jobs, go camping, canoeing, mountain biking etc. The extra noise and stiffer ride doesn't bother me and the fuel economy is very close to my '03 Altima (Rogue is only 1-2 mpg less).