2022 Nissan Rogue Review

The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that is the company's top-selling vehicle. It was redesigned last year, and we liked the added comfort, storage space and available technology so much that we moved near the top of our small SUV rankings. Now for its sophomore year, this latest-generation Rogue receives a new engine that's more powerful and promises improved fuel economy.

This new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine packs 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque — a boost of 20 hp and 44 lb-ft over the previous non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It also comes with Nissan's variable compression ratio design feature. As seen on the Altima sedan, it can change its compression ratio in real time, enabling it to enhance fuel efficiency or engine power, depending on conditions and driver demand.

The 2022 Rogue definitely delivers on the fuel economy front, with the base front-wheel-drive model getting EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, a 3 mpg leap over the 2021 model. The engine is also paired to a new continuously variable automatic transmission, with wider gear ratio coverage and other updates that Nissan says contribute to better mpg and responsiveness.

We're glad Nissan has introduced a new engine for the Rogue because the old one felt underpowered. In our brief drive of the 2022 Rogue, the added power and torque — Nissan says it has the most of any standard gas engine in its class — imparted confidence. You'll have no problem passing when you're out running errands or merging on the highway or essentially doing the type of driving that you're expecting to do if you’re on the hunt for a spacious, comfortable small SUV.

The Rogue's fresh style and generous amount of features help it stand out from its rivals, and the new engine's extra oomph only strengthens the offering for 2022. On the feature front, every Rogue has an impressive number of standard driver assist features, such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, as well as entertainment technology including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. On the top Platinum trim you'll find quilted leather seats and a head-up display. Still, the Rogue faces top-tier contenders including the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5. Once we're able to do a full test and evaluation, we'll see if it moves up further in our rankings.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue is a five-passenger small SUV sold in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. All are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 225 lb-ft of torque) mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, and all-wheel drive is available on all trims.