A glimpse of the autonomous vehicle future can be experienced via an available feature on the 2018 Rogue, Nissan’s top-seller. A week-long test drive of a Rogue with the ProPILOT Assist showcased this smart technology’s helpfulness. The system uses lane markings to keep the Rogue lane-centered at highway speeds and during stop-and-go traffic jams. An audio and visual alert occurs if the driver’s hands are not on the steering wheel. (Those alerts underscore that ProPILOT is a driver assist system.) Engaged via steering wheel buttons, the system also maintains a set speed/set distance from the vehicle in front.
Powering the Rogue is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 175 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Engine mates to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with sport and eco mode switches. The 106.5-inch wheelbase Rogue is offered in three trims (S, SV, and SL) in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Other changes for the 2018 Rogue are an updated infotainment system with faster response time as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The tested all wheel drive Rogue SL has a MSRP of $32,410 and collects estimated mpg of 25 city/32 highway.