New 2010 Nissan Rogue Offers Affordable Style

The new 2010 Nissan Rogue is an impressively styled compact SUV that delivers a lot for the money. Solid fuel economy and good on-road manners only serve to bolster the appeal of this youthful compact SUV. Review specs, features and mpgs of the new 2010 Nissan Rogue to determine if it's worth a test drive.

New 2010 Nissan Rogue Styling

The Nissan Rogue boasts one of the most modern exterior designs within its class. The sleek, rounded body frame is sure to appeal to those who are looking for an SUV that stands out from the pack. Still, while more focused on vanity then its competitors, there's enough conventionality to keep the Rogue from looking too out there.

After looking at the sticker price, car shoppers may be surprised by the level of luxury offered by the Nissan Rogue. The fit and finish of the vehicle is peppered with a pleasing amount of soft materials and the dashboard takes an attractive minimalist approach.

Available features aren't as extensive as some compact SUVs. However, most drivers won't miss the few high-tech gadgets that are lacking in the Rogue. Base models come standard with air conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry and a stereo with CD player and auxiliary jack. Optional equipment includes a back-up camera, chrome grille, Bluetooth and an upgrade stereo.

In terms of seating, the Rogue offers an overall comfortable ride. While rear seat space may be a bit cramped, this is a general problem with the majority of compact SUVs. Front passengers, on the other hand, will find little to quibble about. If you want an SUV that has a third row of seating, then you'll have to look at competitors such as the Toyota RAV4.

A good amount of storage compartments and maximum of 57.9 cubic feet of cabin storage make the Rogue a pretty solid option when it comes to hauling.

New 2010 Nissan Rogue Performance

A good suspension and decent engine power add up to give the Rogue an impressively smooth ride. While other models have the vehicle beat in terms of acceleration, the 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is still one of the better four-cylinder power plants in its class.

The Rogue also impresses with above-average fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the Nissan SUV delivers 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (24 mpg combined). Those numbers are helped, in part, thanks to the inclusion of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Opt for all-wheel drive and fuel numbers drop to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined).

New 2010 Nissan Rogue Safety

The Nissan Rogue comes well equipped with a variety of safety features. Six airbags, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and active front head restraints all come standard. In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Nissan Rogue earned a best-possible rating of "Good" in front-, side- and rear-impact tests. In roof strength tests, the Rogue earned a rating of "Acceptable."

New 2010 Nissan Rogue Pricing

The Nissan Rogue is one of the most affordable compact SUVs for the year, with a base price of $20,460. If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of luxury in favor of pricing, then the value-oriented Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tuscon may be worth a look. The similarly priced Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 compete well against the Rogue, and may be preferred for overall value and interior comfort. If you're looking to minimize fuel consumption without paying the premium for a hybrid, then the Chevrolet Equinox may be the best option for you.