Based on an economy car platform, the Rogue is meant as a daily commuter, not an off-road adventure vehicle. The towing capacity is only 1500 pounds and the available all-wheel drive system is intended more for snow and rain than rocks and mud. The four-cylinder engine works well with the continuously variable transmission to provide decent pickup and frugal fuel economy.
Behind the wheel, the Rogue offers carlike ride and handling. We think it's one of the better handling small SUVs, but it's not sporty or particularly fun to drive. The ride allows for a lot of road feel and can become hard on pockmarked roads. Road imperfections and engine sounds also intrude on the cabin, leaving passengers thinking that the Rogue could benefit from more sound insulation.