FIRST LOOK: 2012 Nissan Rogue

[InfinitiEric]

FIRST POSTED ON NICO. PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED & CONFIDENTIAL
Approved for posting by NNA Corporate

The 2012 model year Rogue continues its tradition of excellence by introducing a new Special Edition package that makes convenience and technology even more accessible to small crossover buyers. In addition, the 2012 Rogue becomes the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer Around ViewTM Monitor. Meanwhile, the Rogue maintains the versatility of 58 cubic feet of cargo space, the economy of up to 28 highway MPG, and its strong value proposition, all of which have made the Rogue the second-highest volume Nissan model in the US in 2010.

[philipa_240sx]

Awesome Eric.... Thanks for posting this!

[ThandaPani]

I like those wheels. Much better then what I got.

[kerrton]

I really like how they've packaged the trim levels and options, much better than when I purchased my Rogue in 2008 - things change fast!

I'm very impressed with the SV trim, this is the package I purchased in 2008 (it was called SL), and I didn't get: 1)power drivers seat, 2) bluetooth, 3) rearview camera, 4) new headunit with 4.3" display 5) USB connectivity 6) 6-speaker audio system 7) steering wheel mounted audio controls 8) satelitte radio 9) intelligent key 10) auxilliary transmission oil cooler. In the span of 4 years the additional content that comes with this trim level is unbelievable, in order to get most of these items in 2008 I had to purchase the $3500 Premium package, and several were not even available including the backup camera, and USB.

Nissan has done a nice job making 2008 Rogue owners feel the need to upgrade, and providing some really nice content in the SV package in order to keep up with the competition who also offer a lot of these things standard now....we'll see if they are able to keep the price down in order to be truly competitive!

[trance34]

I want a sport mode.

[kerrton]

I'm not exactly sure what Sport Mode will look like on the Rogue, will it be controlled with paddle shifters or from the main gear shifter in a "manual mode" as many of the competition currently offer? Either way I think it's a very important feature to add to the Rogue to keep competitive as most of the newer hot crossoves such as those from Hyundai and Kia have this standard as well (there manual sport mode is operated from the main gear shifter by tapping it up or down).

[InfinitiEric]

Picture added of the 2012 model. Are those the new wheels that they speak of in the vehicle ordering guide above? (I wish I knew a bit more about the Rogue myself!)

[Qashqai]

Nope, this is 2011 Rogue. That is the cover picture of the catalogue that I brought home from the dealer.

[InfinitiEric]

Nope, this is 2011 Rogue. That is the cover picture of the catalogue that I brought home from the dealer.

Well darn, they must not have updated it. It was pulled directly from the top of the 2012 VOG. Good to know though, I'll keep you all in the loop as I hear/get any more information (and hopefully new pictures)!

[philipa_240sx]

Nope, this is 2011 Rogue. That is the cover picture of the catalogue that I brought home from the dealer.

The MY2012 specs Eric posted does not seem to indicate any exterior appearance changes besides the wheels. I wouldn't really expect to see any other dramatic changes.

BTW, I've seen Nissan simply re-use the same photos from previous model years on thier media website before. The photo Eric posted could well be the one Nissan decided to post for the 2012 model. Perhaps they will update it later to show the new wheels?

Finally,

MY2012 marks the Rogue's 5th anniversary. This could well be the last year before it's redesigned and production moved from Japan to Smyrna, Tenn.

[philipa_240sx]

I'm not exactly sure what Sport Mode will look like on the Rogue, will it be controlled with paddle shifters or from the main gear shifter in a "manual mode" as many of the competition currently offer?

My take on this?

It will be similar to the Sport mode used on the Juke. It's not a manual shift mode, but simply a button that selects a more agressive shift pattern.

ie. Sport mode selects lower gearing & higher rpm's as opposed to the current programming that likes to shift into as low as gear as possible... unless you have your foot to the floor.

[Leo2005]

I wasn't expecting any exterior changes for '12 since Nissan just updated the car but I'm really hoping the next Rogue will come with 2.5L V6 just like infiniti g25...that would make serious changes in Rogue and some people could call it inifiniti EX25

[philipa_240sx]

but I'm really hoping the next Rogue will come with 2.5L V6 just like infiniti g25...

Leo2005,

The Rogue chassis was never really designed for a V-6. I think this option would be highly unlikely. Nissan will be shooting for fuel efficient 4cyl power... and an engine that is used in many models like the current QR25DE to keep costs low.

Nissan is not the only one...

Preliminary specs for the 2012 Ford Escape indicate the V-6 option will be dropped. A slightly larger 4cyl, perhaps 2.5l will be offered. Maybe we'll see an Ecoboost motor option too?

The Mazda CX-5 (also based on the Ford Escape/Kuga chassis) will be dropping the V-6 option in favor of the new 2.0l SkyActiv motor. It a high compression engine that will make more power than comparable 2.0l and with better efficiency.

[kerrton]

Dropping the V6 and sticking with one powertrain just makes things easier for exterior design. You can wrap that engine compartment tightly around the smaller powertrain and design your front end around it without the need to leave room for a larger powerplant.

My wife just bought a Kia Sorento with the 4 cylinder, when you drive the vehicle the big difference from the Rogue is this large, high hood that to me seems in the way and obstructs my view just a little bit. You pop the hood and see a little tiny 2.4L 4-cylinder in a big spacious engine compartment, and you may wonder why at first glance but it's obviously engineered to accomodate the 3.5 V6 - if they eliminated the 3.5 engine the front end exterior would likely have look quite different with a smaller engine bay.

With 4-cylinder engine technology there is no need for 6 cylinders in this size of vehicle any more. As an example, the Kia 2.4 GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) in the Sorento makes 192 horsepower and 184 foot pounds of torque. This is roughly comparable to the early 2000's Pathfinder 3.0 L engine and the Pathfinder had around 500 pounds more weight. The Pathfinder was a pricey, very popular vehicle, but today's 4-cylinder technology equals and exceeds this recent V6, partiularly when you consider the 2.4 GDI gets at around 30% better efficiency.

I'm not necessarily recommending Kia, just using their 2.4 as an example because I have recent experience with it, all manufacturer's are bringing out amazing 4-cylinder power plants with the power of a V6 and efficiency of a small 4-cylinder, so why would need to even consider a V6 anymore in a mid-size vehicle? The big buzz in the truck world is the new Ford F150 3.5 EcoBoost engine which outperforms Dodge's 5.7 V8 in recent tests which evaluated hauling, towing large trailers, and overall "truck" functionality. The 3.5 blew the 5.7 out of the water. Just another example of smaller displacement doing the work of larger displacement engines of the past, and with fewer cylinders required.

I'm very excited to see the details of the next generation powertrain in the Rogue, I'm sure it will be spectacular.

[philipa_240sx]

From Nissannews.com:

2012 Nissan Rogue
Following an upgraded look for the 2011 model year, the Nissan Rogue crossover SUV adds a new Special Edition for 2012, along with revised content for the various option packages.

Rogue is designed to offer excellent value, while satisfying both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs – including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space combined with a 60/40 split rear seat and an available fold-down front passenger seat. Utility is enhanced by numerous storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment and a large center console. Rogue also offers 28 mpg fuel economy, as well as a range of standard safety features including six air bags.

Other enhancements for 2012 include the addition of a new “Sport Mode” switch on all models, new 17-inch (SV) and 16-inch (Special Edition) aluminum-alloy wheels, and one new exterior color: Graphite Blue. Also, the SL Package adds the innovative Around View™ Monitor, making Rogue the first non-luxury vehicle in the United States to offer this unique, innovative feature.

The new Special Edition was designed to offer excellent value. The package includes steering wheel audio controls, RearView Monitor, 4.3-inch audio display, USB connectivity, satellite radio, fog lights and privacy glass.

Key highlights of the 2012 Nissan Rogue include:
• Standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, advanced Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Six standard air bags
• Available with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system
• Available 6-way power driver’s seat, power driver’s seat lumbar support, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, and Nissan Intelligent Key®, Nissan Navigation System and Around View Monitor™

The 2012 Rogue is offered in two trims, S and SV along with three option packages – Special Edition Package, Premium Package and SL Package. It is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2011.

[Rogue One]

Please tell me they dumped the BOSE sound system and got a better NAV system!

[TaiLuu]

Murano Wheels?

I think the Around view monitor is a Big Big Upgrade
Is sport mode the Paddle shifters? or Suspension stiffening?

[philipa_240sx]

Is sport mode the Paddle shifters? or Suspension stiffening?

No, it's not paddle shifters and it has nothing to do with the suspension.

Sport mode is a button that changes the CVT behaviour. It's selects lower gearing than normal for better acceleration.

[RogueGuy45]

I like the grille of my 2009 Rogue better. I like the fact that most of the grille is the same color as the car but with the chrome middle kind of understated. I bought this vehicle because of it's clean lines and simplicity of design, if I wanted more chrome, more gadgets, more more more--I would have bought another Ford Explorer or Chevy Yukon.