2025 Nissan Rogue offers a trip down memory lane
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Firing up the engine of the 2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum, I was overcome with nostalgia.
Sort of joking.The compact ute and yours truly go back a long way. We were first introduced when it was a newborn back in early 2007 at the Detroit International Auto Show. And a few months later we were reacquainted when it found its feet and toddled into Canada, where I got to take it for a run.
From the word go, it was a worthy entry to the then emerging compact ute segment. Over the years the all-wheel drive, five-seater has continued to get better with successive editions.
In 2014, I took part in Nissan’s ‘Altimate Rogue Trip,’ which showcased the 2015 Nissan Altima and Rogue on a seven-day, 4,000-kilometre journey, from Chicago to Santa Monica, along the historic Route 66.
The roadworthiness of both vehicles was certainly put to the test and neither was found wanting. However, perhaps the new feature that has stuck with me was the so-called ‘zero gravity’ seats. The words of the Nissan techno-bods best describe the innovation.
“Ergonomic technology was utilized to analyze, measure and verify fatigue reduction and comfort, leading to the NASA-measured ‘neutral posture.’ In a weightless scenario, human posture is weakened and the burden on the body is at its least, meaning posture does not collapse even over long periods and you are less likely to become tired. By applying this neutral posture to a car seat, it alleviates feelings of fatigue from sitting for long periods of time.”
Fancy words, but it truly works and a feature I put to the test in other long distance travels in successive years. Of course, the passage of years experienced by my bod certainly now challenge the effectiveness of the seats, however, when measured against other similar vehicles I’ve driven of late, it still makes journeys of four and five hours more than tolerable.
Yes, I keep on going until the checkered flag waves and a destination bathroom beckons.
In 2022 the Rogue arrived missing a cylinder. Well, that’s how smart asses (like me) described the three-cylinder engine. I ate my words: good fuel consumption and in performance it clearly didn’t need a fourth cylinder for company.
I tested the Platinum version this time and can report the three-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine is no way underpowered and pumps out the power of 201 horses. It uses variable-compression technology that adjusts the turbocharger to prioritize fuel economy or power, based on your driving style.
You can expect to use 8.4 L/100 km in the city and just 6.7 L/100 km on the highway.
A hybrid version is expected soon. Bring it on.
By the way, the Platinum offers the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.1 – woo hoo, Nissan cautiously advises “attentive drivers” can drive hands-free on the freeway! Well, as long as you stick to one lane.
Let’s get superficial: the Rogue is not going to turn heads. It’s chunky but not ugly.
That look means the interior is roomy and indeed there’s 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 74 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.
The interior is classy and upfront offers a choice of eight-inch and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens with simple controls. The Platinum trim has quilted leather seats, a heads-up display, heated rear seats and an upgraded infotainment system.
All but the base S model get an eight-way power driver’s seat. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel or either optional or standard on all but the base.
Before taxes and freight changes, the 2025 Nissan Rogue is on-sale with a starting $33,998 for the S. The SV has a sticker price of $37,898. The SL upgrade takes it up to $43,298, while the Platinum requires a cheque for $45,598.
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