Could be a big competitor: The 2014 Nissan Rouge

[lkh311]

Hi Everyone,

So I was pretty set on my mind to get the CX-5 GT with Tech, and saw a few Youtube videos on the 2014 Rogue and thought it may worth checking out when it becomes available. It does have some appealing features which the CX-5 is currently lacking. These are my first impressions from the videos:

Pros:
- Beautiful front end with the LED DRL
- Spacious 2nd row which slides (Would be nice for car seats for those who need them, optional 3rd row which I won't need)
- Innovative rear view parking system (It gives you a top view as well)
- Available panoramic sunroof
- Power lift gate
- Zero gravity seats

Cons:
- Van-like styling (like an uglier mini Santa Fe)
- Not so pretty wheels in my opinion
- SLUGGISH engine
- Not as fuel efficient and worse handling

In my opinion, CX-5 still has an overall better styling but think it could be a strong competitor to Mazda for Year 2014, what do you guys think?


Here is a review, it does mention the CX-5 on its superior handling too.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/01/2014-nissan-rogue-review-first-drive/

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Well, the last one was just fugly, this one is pretty decent, if not a generic looking design. CX-5/Outlander Sport (outdated options though) are the only SUVS in this price range that really have a stand out style and look good IMO (compass LOOKs nice too but not much else to offer). As far as the features, the only thing I really see it having that others in the segment may not is the 360deg camera (borrowed from Infiniti) and LED headlights. Large sunroof is a plus for people who get it and like to actually use it and that is the only thing I would really want on my CX-5 that the rogue has(I would have paid extra if that was an option).. Power tailgate is whatever, some people may find it useful, me I don't access the rear enough to feel the need to pay extra for that. Concerning HIDS, I am confused by the website; are they offering LED headlights on the top end (they mention auto leveling) or are they simply LEDs DRL's, because another website cited a "complex halogen reflector". When I look at the CX-5 I see and more sporty SUV.. the Rogue looks less sporty (and probably is less sporty to drive) and is slightly larger.

 

[joemon1984]

It has the CVT engine and i think thats where CX5 has an upper hand with the superior sky active engine.

 

[xtrailman]

I'm assuming Rouge is our Xtrail?

I haven't seen the new model, but its bigger than the last Xtrail, which in turn is bigger than the CX-5.

So really I don't think you can compare the two.

where Nissan fail in the UK is offering a proper auto, and a powerful diesel, my last one was 171bhp but the torque was only 266 pound feet.

While the CX-5 gives 310 pound feet and a little more power.

All the Nissans I've had, four, all gave a good drive, and apart from the first one which stalled when cold, it was used and some dick pressure washed the petrol engine! the ECU was changed, were 100% reliable.

 

[TreyP]

I'm a big fan of Nissan and always have had good luck with them. We have 2 Pathfinders in the family currently. That being said, I test drove a Rogue last year (not the new model obviously) and the ride quality was shockingly bad, which I blame mostly on the horrible seats, but also the interior was noticeably cheap looking. It actually made me wonder if Nissan is going down hill, but I am hoping it was only the Rogue and not a company wide trend.

 

[Seminole]

It also has those "zero gravity" seats which I tried in my friends Altima. They were very comfortable. Overall I think the Rogue's interior is more upscale then ours and with the new refinements it might be quieter inside. A letdown for me is that the beige interior comes with a beige steering wheel which will surely show more dirt then a black one.

And Chris, they come with both LED and halogen low beam lights. LED is standard on the top trim while halogen is on the lower ones. All have the LED daytime running lights though.

 

[HoustonCX5]

Interestingly, the new Rogue's lift gate is made from plastic (specifically polypropylene resin) that reduces the weight - the first of its kind.

 

[Kelme]

It has the CVT engine and i think thats where CX5 has an upper hand with the superior sky active engine.

A couple of months ago I had a 2013 Sentra with the CVT as a rental car. It wasnt very good, everytime you try to accelerate it gave a rubber band effect that would drive you crazy if you are not used to it. I wonder if they did a better job with the Rogue. While the new model looks better than the previous model, I think the new one looks too soccer mom to me.

 

[paris1]

It has the CVT engine and i think thats where CX5 has an upper hand with the superior sky active engine.

CVT is a transmission, not an engine.

 

[Monterra]

It has the CVT engine and i think thats where CX5 has an upper hand with the superior sky active engine.

Yes, our skyactiv engine is undoubtedly superior than any Continuously Variable Transmission engine on the market today

 

[CX-SV]

Not seeing the beautiful front end, not wanting a CVT (for drivability and reliability reasons). I do think pano roof, 3rd row, power liftgate are nice optional offerings useful to some. Still not my cup of tea.

 

[xtrailman]

My 2004 Xtrail came with plastic front wings, later model were steel for some reason?

Interestingly, the new Rogue's lift gate is made from plastic (specifically polypropylene resin) that reduces the weight - the first of its kind.

 

[V8toilet]

You may want to factor in brand reliabilty into you choice because Nissan as a whole isnt making reliable cars and trucks. In Consumer Reports Mazda is # 5 and Nissan is # 22 out of 28 brands tracked. Lexus and Toyota are #1 and #2 respectively.

 

[PhoenixINX]

You may want to factor in brand reliabilty into you choice because Nissan as a whole isnt making reliable cars and trucks. In Consumer Reports Mazda is # 5 and Nissan is # 22 out of 28 brands tracked. Lexus and Toyota are #1 and #2 respectively.

Reliability - Mazda and Nissan are dead-even.

Consumer reports scores can be highly impacted by initial product quality, which can be modified by something as simple of how easy it is to use a nav unit. CR is a HORRIBLE representation of comparing automotive long-term reliability.

Bottom-line, one is going to drive more sporty and the other more comfortable and posh (vs. CR-V & RAV4). Candidly though, if we were buying brand new today this would get a VERY serious look. The amount of tech Nissan is bringing to the table far surpasses anything Mazda is offering today.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Considering the "2014 Rogue" is actually nearly two years newer in design. It better be competitive.

 

[V8toilet]

Reliability - Mazda and Nissan are dead-even.

Consumer reports scores can be highly impacted by initial product quality, which can be modified by something as simple of how easy it is to use a nav unit. CR is a HORRIBLE representation of comparing automotive long-term reliability.

The relatively new CX5 does have the same reliability score as the older matured Rouge.

I went to the CR Q&A section and found this. I do not know how you concluded that their scores are "highly impacted" by initial product quality. I couldn't figure that out.

"How is the survey conducted?

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducts the survey each spring. In the questionnaire, we ask subscribers to note any problems with their cars that occurred in the past 12 months. They are asked to identify problems that they considered serious (because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime). We ask them to include problems covered by warranty, but not the ones resulting from accident damage or due solely to recall. Respondents check off problems from a list of trouble areas, ranging from the engine and transmission to climate system, brakes, electrical system, and power accessories. See the full list of trouble spots."

Their ratings are also broken down into 17 different trouble areas so you can see in the ratings where the problems are had. If someone wants to see how the GPS and audio systems fair that can see that separately.

 

[Rob Ciniello]

I just seen pics of the rouge. I can't comment on the quality of the truck. I can say being a Nissan , must me a reliable auto. However, for looks, it's brutal. Cx5 is way nicer. Hands down

 

[tibimakai]

Not enough power. Same old engine as the previous Rogue had. Pathfinder has CVT issues, maybe Rogue will have it too, if it uses the same CVT.
I believe, that they are referring to the LED bar in the headlights.

 

[xtrailman]

Don't think so , I'm sure I've read led headlights.

Having driven xtrails for about the last 9 years since 2004, I can tell you the quality of the Nissan and Mazda is the same, as is driver enjoyment.

Quality wise the CRV is slightly in front.

My CX-5 has been faultless apart from problems with the nav live services, and failing BT phone connections, a update to the TT has sorted the Live connecting problems, but I've had to get a replacement phone to solve the BT problem, were it would only connect 9 out of ten times, and yes the Galaxy Y is on the compatibility list.

While these two problems are minor, they have been very stressful, I've been use to a superior nav system, subscription free, and BT that worked out of the box.

So for me Mazda are a complete failure on the ICE, but have excelled with the excellent diesel engine.

 

[CX-SV]

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducts the survey each spring. In the questionnaire, we ask subscribers to note any problems with their cars that occurred in the past 12 months. They are asked to identify problems that they considered serious (because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime). We ask them to include problems covered by warranty, but not the ones resulting from accident damage or due solely to recall. Respondents check off problems from a list of trouble areas, ranging from the engine and transmission to climate system, brakes, electrical system, and power accessories. See the full list of trouble spots."

Their ratings are also broken down into 17 different trouble areas so you can see in the ratings where the problems are had. If someone wants to see how the GPS and audio systems fair that can see that separately.

Yes, I've participated in the CR survey with some of my newly purchased cars.

Also I've tracked and compared actual reliability of several cars owned against the CR data and found it to be accurate, for model years 1988-2013.