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by Greg Zyla    This week, we’re behind the wheel of Nissan’s SUV Crossover, the 2009 Rogue SL All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Introduced as an all-new model last year, Rouge remains mechanically and aesthetically unchanged, although several tech and comfort upgrades highlight the new model. Overall, however, Nissan isn’t going to radically change one of its most successful introduction models to date.    Not surprisingly, Nissan is quick to note Rogue’s prestigious rookie year awards, among them “Best New Small Crossover” by Kiplinger’s magazine; Parents Magazine “Best Family Cars for 2008” award; and MotorWeek’s “Driver’s Choice Award for Best Small Utility.” Add the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NTHSA) highest rating – five stars – for side-impact crash safety and Nissan has a winner on its’ hands. With large front door openings for easy entry and exit, Rogue’s exterior appeals to all age groups, delivering cleverness in a sporty fashion. Its’ sleek, slippery, dominant to the eye style features a high end designer look that comes available in two trims, Rogue S and Rogue SL. Both feature the standard 170-horsepower, 9.6:1 compression, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 175 lb.-ft. of torque and is tuned to provide good initial response.    Inside, Rogue offers sophisticated surroundings, thanks to a $1,950 leather option. Exceptional utility awaits driver and passenger, with excellent front visibility and comfortable seating. Rogue’s instrumentation tenders easy readability, while all controls are easy to use. As for a sporty look, Rogue’s reddish-orange illumination surrounded by silver rings accentuate the motif.    After a week of driving, I feel Rogue’s best selling point is twofold, specifically, great economy and good looks. Our AWD tester’s sticker said 21 city and 26 highway EPA numbers, although on a longer trip with freeway driving, I feel Rogue can squeeze several more MPG from its small yet potent engine. This reality is a credit to what engineers can do if they put their thinking hats on. Rogue is also “always geared perfectly” thanks to Nissan’s continuously variable automatic transmission, which is called “Xtronic” in Nissan vernacular.    Underneath, Rogue’s AWD system provides traction on dry or slippery roads and excellent all-weather performance. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control. The four-wheel independent suspension features high performance shocks, stabilizer bars, subframe-mounted struts with coil springs up front combined with a rear independent multi-link design. This setup allows maximum luggage space versus a rear strut design.    A four-wheel disc brake setup with ABS and 17-inch tires and alloy wheels are standard on all Rogue SL’s, while the intuitive (which means fully automatic) AWD system our tester featured is also available on the S model. As Mother Nature would have it, we were able to test all of this equipment successfully thanks to a heavy snowfall that hit our area.    Amongst new items for 2009 are auto speed-sensing door locks; fold-down front passenger seat; drive computer; outside temperature display; two luggage side cargo hooks; and dual visor vanity mirror illumination.    On the safety side, front and passenger air bags combine with front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags. Additionally, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear seat outboard occupant head protection are standard fare.    Other standard notables include air conditioning, all the powers, a fold-down front passenger seat, which allows another 8.5 feet of front-to-rear cargo space and, when combined with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench seat, offers spacious cargo area of more than 60 cu. ft. with all seats folded.    As part of a Premium Optional package ($2,230), our tester featured Xenon headlights, roof rail system with detachable cross bars, front fog lamps, high end Bose stereo with seven speakers and a six-disc player, paddle shifters, steering wheel stereo controls, cargo organizer, Bluetooth, XM Satellite, tow hitch wiring and more. A Garman Nuvi 750 portable Navigation for $750 and the aforementioned leather option brought the final tally to $28,850 including $780 for destination.    Important numbers include a 105.9-inch wheelbase, curb weight of 3,534 lbs., 1,500 lbs. maximum tow capacity and a 15.9-gallon fuel tank.    Rogue’s 2WD version starts at just $20,220 and delivers an additional one MPG city and highway, yet still offers more than acceptable performance and SUV multi-task functioning under one aerodynamic roof. We rate the five-passenger Rogue a strong 8.5 on a scale of one-to-10.    Likes: Looks, peppy four-cylinder performance, fuel mileage, interior, build quality.    Dislikes: Some blind spots to the side and backing up, engine a bit noisy under power. (Greg Zyla is a syndicated automotive columnist)

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