Timing Is Everything: The 2017 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

The 2017 Nissan Rogue SL AWD.

It is better, they say, to be lucky than good.  Nissan had the good fortune of introducing a heavily-refreshed Rogue at about the same time the promotion began for the latest Star Wars film, Rogue One.  And in a bit of corporate synergy, Nissan and Lucasfilm/Disney cooked up a promotional campaign that benefits both, though one has nothing to do with the other---and thankfully, the parties involved avoided trying to squeeze Nissan product placement into a film about a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.  There is, however, a Star Wars Limited Edition Rogue.

2017 Nissan Rogue SL AWD.

Our test vehicle was the SL AWD, SL being the top trim level and AWD standing for all-wheel-drive.
The 2017 gets new front an rear fasicas, integrated fog lamps, revised rear combination lamps, chrome side moldings, a motion-activated tailgate, and tweaks to minimize road, wind and other noises, as well as vibration and harshness.

2017 Nissan Rogue SL AWD interior.

Inside, the 2017 Rogue gets a redesigned front console, a new D-shaped steering wheel---which now can be heated as an extra-cost option---and available memory seats and mirrors.

The SL AWD we drove has a base price of $31,310, and standard equipment is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower connected to a continuously variable transmission, a powertrain that the EPA estimates will deliver 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway.
This year, there is also a hybrid option.

Other standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, hill start assist, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, a six-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, an around-view monitor, moving object detection, leather-appointed seats (heated in the front), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a seven-inch color touch-screen display, a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, dual-zone automatic temperature control, pushbutton start and remote engine start.

As usual, our test vehicle had options, including the SL Premium Package (a power panoramic moonroof, LED headlights and forward emergency braking) for $2,020; the Platinum Package (an upgrade to 19-inch alloy wheels, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention and pedestrian detection) for $770; the Platinum Reserve Interior (tan leather-appointed seats with quilted leather inserts) for $250 and floor mats and a cargo area protector for $225.

With $900 destination charges, the as-tested price came to $35,475.  That's becoming a common price point for well-equipped vehicles in the Rogue's size class, but rarely with the level of standard and optional equipment found here.  That makes the value proposition of the new 2017 Nissan Rogue a compelling one, indeed.