FWD SL Rogue Questions- Snow/Towing/other SUV Options

[drew231506]

Hello,

So the Rogue is offered as a company car for my job. It is the FWD SL...I do not have the option to order the AWD model. I have read some about the towing on here and I believe it is capable of towing a single motorcycle just fine. True?

Now how about snow? This will be the FWD model...does anyone have any experience on how it does? I dont get much snow where I am but it does snow on occasion and this may be a deal breaker for me.

My other SUV choices are the Forester, Rav4, Escape, Routan...and that's it.

What do you guys think??

[philipa_240sx]

Re Towing:

The Rogue has a 1000lb towing capacity except for manual shift models (only available on select AWD models in 2009 and none of the 2010's). This is adequate for a small trailer. I would confirm the combined weight of the trailer and motorcycle to be sure.

Re Snow/winter driving:

The FWD Rogue performs very well in snow. Even better if you have snow tires. All Rogue's are equipped with traction, stability control, and ABS which really help. I have a FWD model equipped with snow tires and I routinely drive mine in snow (typically 2-4") and ice during the winter. It's very stable and easily handles any road conditions. I've also driven with the stock all-season tires during winter and although the grip is much lower, it still manages. I credit the VDC and traction control for making it very easy to handle.

[takeshi]

My other SUV choices are the Forester, Rav4, Escape, Routan...and that's it.

The Routan's a (rebadged Chrysler) minivan, IIRC.

[kerrton]

My FWD Rogue is AWESOME in snow and ice, and I haven't even upgraded the OEM tires yet, but like Philip said it has a lot to do with the traction and stability control, and most likely the wide stance.

IMO opinion AWD is WAY overrated. In a few situations, like deep snow, it helps, but mainly to get you moving forward and prevent you from getting stuck, but doesn't do a lot for stability, and doesn't help you stop quicker. The biggest factor is your tires, if you want to corner and stop well on snow and ice pay attentinon to the tires.

AWD/4WD originally became popular on trucks, because a RWD vehicle sucks on ice for obvious reasons. So the logic was, get 4WD so that the front tires are activated which vastly improves traction, and this is exactly what it does. But if you're starting with a FWD vehicle, what is the value of adding the rear wheel drive, in terms of safety, stopping distance, and traction? Not much, definatley not to the degree that a truck would benefit.

So I'm not saying that AWD is a bad thing by any means, but what I'm saying is that people have the false perception that AWD is much more safe than FWD and they pay big bucks to get it, when in fact it's probably not worth it. They also have a false perception of safety, and can tend to overdrive for conditions. Just my two cents.

[roadside]

AWD is WAY overrated. In a few situations, like deep snow, it helps, but mainly to get you moving forward and prevent you from getting stuck

x2

[Pescakl1]

So I'm not saying that AWD is a bad thing by any means, but what I'm saying is that people have the false perception that AWD is much more safe than FWD and they pay big bucks to get it, when in fact it's probably not worth it. They also have a false perception of safety, and can tend to overdrive for conditions. Just my two cents.

+1.

That is usually why you find them in snow banks during snow storms: AWD help you move forward faster but don't do anything for braking, it is still based on the tires - brakes - electronic.At least, on FWD, when you have a hard time moving forward you know that conditions are not optimal and you adapt your driving in consequence.

I had only one accident on snow and it was... with a subaru legacy ... and 4 old snow tires: I took off from a stop without any problem but never turned at the first curve, hit a snow bank and youhou... carroussel ... one 360 (I got good notes for that figure ).

[koolyce]

Well, AWD is WAY overrated only if you drive in city. It depends where you drive.

Also, you need to consider the weight of the car. A FWD Rogue is probably 10x better then a Toyota Matrix juste because the weight of the car.

My personnal opinion is the AWD is not overrated when you need it for up hill and deep snow.

Anyway, in my case is AWD or nothing

[philipa_240sx]

There are all good points. I think many get confused about how AWD affects the way a vehicle drives:

AWD distributes power to all 4 wheels instead of 2 which allows you accelerate. But the most important functions of steering and braking is determined solely by the traction provided by the tires. AWD does very little to help you stop or steer the car... despite what a lot of car advertising says.

Pescakl found this out the hard way and it's a perfect example... An AWD car that could accelerate but was unable to steer or brake because of worn out tires.

My recommendation?

- Use winter tires if you live in snow prone areas.- Drive according to the conditions. Slowly and in control.- If the weather is bad, don't drive... stay home.

[philipa_240sx]

I took off from a stop without any problem but never turned at the first curve, hit a snow bank and youhou... carroussel ... one 360 (I got good notes for that figure ).

Kinda OT...

Reminds me of a friend of mine... he drove Rallye Perce-Neige in Maniwaki. Lost control of the car, flew into the forest and landed directly on top of another car that went off exactly the same way just minutes before. Fortunately no injuries.

[Robteesit]

I got bashed before in this forum and probably will again but here goes. First I thought this tread was about how a FWD Rogue did in the snow and not about idiots that can't drive AWD's? First of all I own a SL AWD with the paddle shifters and I can't say enough about how good this AWD is in dry or wet weather. (haven't seen the first snow yet, but I am sure it will get me where I want to go). I test drove both the FWD and the AWD Rogues before I bought this one and to me they are 2 totally different cars. In ride and stablity and fun. The AWD hugges the road like a sports car even with the OEM Continintal tires (never did understand why so many people bashed these tires). The ride IMO is night and day between the 2 models, not that the FWD was bad, it's just the AWD put the fun back in driving, it eats the turns up. Now I am not trying to bash anybody that has the FWD - each to his own, but the AWD sure does give you that feeling of stablity. I know there are a lot of drivers in 4X4 and AWD you see in the ditches but it's not because of the vehicles, I would guess it is because of there driving styles. I concure with Philipa240sx recommendations about driving - no matter how many wheel drive you have.Now Drew231506 - I live in the SW part of the state and we do get a little more snow than you do up north, but my wife has had FWD for years and never ever had a problem in the snow and I expect if you stay alert you won't either - just watch out for the other guys.Ok I left myself wide open here defending my AWD - lets hear what you got to say.

[kerrton]

Not going to bash you for an opinion, that's the purpose of this forum. I just don't understand why the ride/driving experience would be so completely different between FWD and RWD? Most of the time the AWD Rogue operates in 100% FWD mode anyway, but I've never tested them side by side so I can't say. I'd just like to know some more technical reasons for this, assuming you are correct.

[Robteesit]

Hey Kerrton - I had owned a Triump TR7 in my younger days and the road hugging feel is about the same in the AWD model. The FWD models (2) that I tested just didn't have the same feel in tight turns or on acceleration. Remember this is Just my opinion - and this feeling I got from the AWD put it over the top for me. I had liked the Rogue and was comparing it to the 4cyl FWD chevy equniox - but the first time I only drove the FWD model it just didn't do it for me - the next time I came back and drove the AWD it was that old feeling of the TR7 again and I liked it. I can't explain all the mechanics that make it happen but, and there are IMO some short comings on this model also, but the SL AWD premium pakage, sold me. And that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

[ahhbeebee]

@ the OP - As others have described, the FWD vehicle is quite capable in snowy conditions - take it as direct evidence from a bunch of Canadians That doesn't mean the AWD isn't useful. I probably got stuck about 10+ times last winter, right in front of my garage - since I back in and the front wheels kept spinning, boy did I wish for AWD.

The OEM Dunlops handle slightly above average in snow and ice, but no where near proper snow tires.

I'm not pro/con either - I say 98% of safety has to do with HOW you drive and not what you drive. But for all you AWD detractors, how else can you experience the 4-wheel slide?

[drew231506]

Thanks for all of the replys. It doesnt snow much here but I have like having an AWD car in the past.

Did any of you look at the other compact suvs I mentioned? I think each has it's positives and negatives...but i think the Rogue is the neatest looking. (and least feminine of the choices)

[roadside]

For sheer driving pleasure, the others can't match the Rogue. If you must have AWD then I'd go with the Forrester, or if you need more space, the RAV4.

[kerrton]

For resale value you have to go with the RAV4, whether its based on reality or not, the fact is that those vehicles get crazy resale, although it looks like the Rogue will do quite well too. I'd stay away from the Forester personally, it's a newer vehicle redesigned in 09 I think, and it always places below the top 3 RAV4, Rogue and CRV.

In a perfect world I would buy the Hyundai Santa Fe as nothing else on the road can touch it. It's one size up from the Rogue, but still very close and not nearly as good gas mileage, but other than that it's awesome and sells for an awesome price. Hyundai recently surpased Honda in initial quality, and their fit, finish, overall quality, refinement, smoothness etc. is better than any other in my opinion. We have an 07 in our family and it is amazing, although I'm very happy with my Rogue as it was the best priced and had the best fuel efficiency which was high on my priority list.

As for the Escape, the ONLY reason to buy it is if you want to keep the cost down. It is the cheapest of the options you listed, but maybe not a bad vehicle particularly since it got a new powertrain this year (engine and trans), too early to tell I think.

Oh yeah, another bad thing to consider about the Rogue is very limited towing, only 1000 lbs.
Modified by kerrton at 7:18 PM 10/15/2009

[philipa_240sx]

The only other vehicle I've actually been in that you mention is the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape. Granted, it was the previous 1st gen vehicle ('06 model IIRC). I can't comment on the other options.

I did not even cross-shop the Rogue before I bought it. I have been a die hard Nissan fan for 20 years. I didn't even consider another make!

[philipa_240sx]

Robteesit,

I don't doubt you feel some sort of handling difference with the AWD system. The Rogue's AWD system incorporates the steering wheel angle and lateral G sensor's from the VDC system to calculate the torque split. It's a very sophisticated system that's the result of years of development on cars like the Skyline/Nissan GT-R.

Some have commented of reduced understeer (understeer = vehicle wants to travel straight instead of turning). This is similar to what you get with a RWD vehicle. It's likely caused by the AWD system applying some power to the rear wheels under hard acceleration out of corners, etc. which helps to 'turn' the vehicle.

Just enjoy the Rogue and have fun!

[Pescakl1]

I just don't understand why the ride/driving experience would be so completely different between FWD and RWD? Most of the time the AWD Rogue operates in 100% FWD mode anyway, but I've never tested them side by side so I can't say. I'd just like to know some more technical reasons for this, assuming you are correct.

Philip explained it in the post just above: As contrary as other AWD cars which only use the 4WD system when the FWD are spinning, the Rogue uses a more sophisticated system: it kicks the 4WD mode more often for example from a stop or in turns which improves the driveability, removing some understeer typical of FWD cars into more neutral or maybe even some oversteer which brings fun back and smile to the face of Robteesit .

True 4WD cars (Subaru, RAV4) have the typical 4WD understeer feel too, so at the end, the Rogue is probably the most fun CUV to drive as having the less understeer.

For a normal day to day use, it is better to get a car which understeer a bit as it is more safe (just need to lift the gas to get control back), but for fun oversteer wins hands down, but more picky to handle.

As for the questions about other CUV/SUV, if I had to choose a car today, my choices would be between the Rogue, the Chevrolet Equinox and the new Hyundai Tucson IX.The Rogue: It is still one of the best CUV on the market even if it may need a lifting soon.The Chevrolet Equinox: Reviewers seem to all agree that this is an excellent vehicle with good fuel economy and great interiors.The Hyundai Tucson IX: As much as the old Tucson is one of the most ugly SUV, the new Tucson IX which is a copycat of the Ford Kuga (not distributed in NA) is just drop dead gorgeous. For few years now, Hyundai builds great quality vehicles, better than americans and even probably better than the japanese. It is a brand which grows fast in resale as they are more and more recognised as the good cars they are. The only interrogation point is the engine and trans they will put in.

Had a RAV4, nice car (in fact nice truck), but it got its truck drive feeling that I did not like much.For the CRV, I love Honda cars but I don't know why but I never like the CRV, and will probably never like it. My neighbor has one and each time I see it, No, I don't like it.Forrester: I will wait for next year to get the new trans they just put in the Legacy this year. Otherwise, yes it is finally now a nice vehicle.

That is just my opinion, you should just test drove every car you are looking at to see if they fit your requirements.