2008 Nissan Rogue

Inside, the Rogue offers a cockpit-oriented interior whose sporty flavor-two-tone seats, oversize gauges, and soft-touch black trim-nicely complements the exterior. "This is no grocery getter," says Kcomt, comparing the Rogue with the CR-V. We agree it's the sportier, more stylish of the two, although its 28.9 cubic feet of cargo volume (57.9 with the 60/40-split rear seats folded) and foldable and washable cargo organizer do make it food-and-beverage friendly.

Indecisive buyers will like the Rogue, since there are no difficult powertrain choices. All Rogues will come with a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT transmission. Optional steering-wheel-mounted paddles will mimic fixed gears at the driver's wish, and the Rogue comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The 'ute for the PlayStation generation. Fun and affordable-but bring a kidney belt.

For starters, the Rogue is a heck of a value, important to young folks saddled with student loans and expensive jeans to pay for. Rogue prices range from $19,995 for the front-drive version in base S trim to $22,735 for an SL-equipped AWD. Both are a steal, with the AWD, in particular, representing a lot of capability for the money. Value argument? Check.

With a 0-to-60-mph sprint in 8.0 seconds flat and handling that can howl-up 0.78 g at the cornering limit, it's the brisk little 'ute that can. In fact, the Rogue's performance numbers border on physics-defying -- or at least expectations-challenging -- given that it's working with no more than a middling 170 hp from its 2.5L, four-cylinder engine against a fairly typical curb weight in this category -- 3359 lb.

Despite its tall stance, it turns in enthusiastically with little of the listing its competitors exhibit -- just the thing for impatient young drivers threading through traffic trying to get to the Radiohead concert.

As its name implies, the Nissan Rogue stands apart. This brand-new car-based cute 'ute is one of the smallest contestants--giving up 2400 pounds to the Toyota Land Cruiser and 19 inches in length to the Buick Enclave.

Not surprising, given its small size, the Rogue is a bit tight in the back seat, though it does score high marks for its front- and rear-seat comfort. Interior styling was less well received, but it's still miles ahead of a vehicle like the Patriot.

So with handsome, Murano-esque styling, a kickin' stereo, and cool features like a pop-up grocery-bag holder, what's not to love? In its rookie year, the Rogue makes a strong case, but just doesn't separate itself enough from veteran heavyweights like Honda's CR-V and Toyota's RAV4.

Rogue's refined interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit, available leather-appointed seating surfaces, fold-flat front passenger's seat and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized partitioned glove box, a large dual-level center console and an available innovative rear cargo organizer.

The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV in the crossover style, much like the Honda CR-V. Despite the recent trend toward seven-passenger seating, the Rogue seats five. And while other compact SUVs offer V6 power, the Rogue is strictly a four-cylinder, again like the CR-V.

At first glance, the interior of the Nissan Rogue seems nice if somewhat plain. Closer inspection reveals some quality materials that are impressive for its starting price.

The Nissan Rogue is based on an economy car platform and those roots show through in more ways than one. While it is among the better handling compact SUVs, it's not sporty. It drives more like a car than an SUV, but it has more body lean in turns than most cars.

The ride is generally comfortable, but it can become busy on bumpy pavement and sharp ruts can give passengers a jolt. Perhaps Rogue's biggest drawback is interior noise.

Like the CR-V, the Rogue offers only a four-cylinder engine. Nissan's four-cylinder makes 170 horsepower and is one of the better four-cylinders available today. It has the low-end punch to provide good pickup from a stop.

The Rogue goes fairly easy on gas. With front-wheel drive, it is EPA-rated at 22 mpg City and 27 Highway; AWD models are slightly lower at 21/26 mpg.

The Nissan Rogue matches the Honda CR-V for carlike road manners and fuel economy, though it's not as quiet on the inside and doesn't ride as smoothly. The Rogue is priced lower than the CR-V. It should be a good choice for drivers looking for a daily commuter with lots of cargo space. Drivers who tow boats and go off-road will want to consider more rugged vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra or Jeep Liberty.