Costa Mesa, CA – “Back to basics”, a term which can have many connotations – Some good, some bad, in the case of the 2009 Nissan Rogue the intention is all good.  This crossover/SUV or “Cute-Ute” as I call it was extremely impressive.  Well equipped, comfortable, easy to park, nimble, frugal at the pump, and in most situations fun to drive. 

As I stepped from the rather luxurious Murano LE tester into the Rogue I was a little cautious.  I thought “OK here I go from big comfy leather seating, NAV system, killer stereo, Etc. to bare bones transportation”.  Big mistake on my part!   

 The Indigo Blue Rogue SL FWD you see pictured here came well equipped without the Starship Enterprise array of buttons, knobs and screens.  The back to basics theme kept coming to mind over and over again.  Simple radio and HVAC controls (No dual zone here – one temp fits all!) but that’s not to say that this was a no-frills vehicle.

All 2009 Nissan Rogue models are powered by the same 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque driving the front or all four wheels via a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).  To bring things to a halt, ventilated disc brakes supported by ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BA (brake assist) are provided at each corner.   The electric power rack-and-pinion steering keeps you pointed in the right direction.  Front and rear stabilizer bars, independent strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension smooth out the ride.

 Starting at $21,810 for the base S trim level you get a good level of equipment:  full power accessories (windows, door locks, Etc.) cruise control, 16-inch wheels, A/C, keyless entry system, tilt steering wheel, and a 4-speaker stereo system with CD and auxiliary jack for iPods and the like.  Options beyond this you ask?  There are none for the base S model.

               Move up to the SL trim level and you have more goodies to choose from.  A sunroof is a stand-alone option as is floor mats, but 17-inch wheels come along as does tinted windows, a roof rail, trip computer and a fold down front passenger seat.  Beyond those few added features you can choose from such options as the Premium Package which adds a Bose audio system which replaces the standard 4 speaker set up with 7 speakers and a 6-disc CD player, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth,

Keyless entry/ignition, audio/cruise controls on the steering wheel, front fog lights, and a few more goodies.  Add the Leather Package and that steering wheel and shift lever are wrapped in leather as are the front and rear seats.  Fronts get the heated treatment as do the side view mirrors.  The driver gets a 6 way adjustable power seat and lumbar support and auto up/down window.
                The Garmin NUVI 750 portable navigation system is unique and one heck of a good idea.  Via a docking station built into the top of the dash to the right of the driver.  Plug it in for nav support when driving and remove it for when you jump into another car, go hiking, or simply for not attracting thieves to your car.
                The 4 banger is not going to push you back in your seat during an enthusiastic launch from a standstill but provides sufficient power for this vehicle.  When pushed under WOT or passing maneuvers the little engine that can does get a little noisy, but laying rubber is not the mission for this vehicle.  Don’t expect to get the power down quickly exiting an apex as you need to get the revs up before much of anything happens but in around town situations or merging onto the freeway plenty of grunt is available.
                 EPA fuel economy of 22 City/27 Highway with a combined of 24 seems easily reachable.  My heavy footed driving produced 23 MPG in mostly running around town versus any extended freeway romps around SoCal.     
                 Over the course of the Rogue’s stay it really grew on me.  At first glance the Indigo Blue exterior paint makes you think that circus clowns are going to be jumping out of vehicle at any moment.  Not the case as I’ve never been in the circus!  I thought many times while behind the wheel what a great vehicle for an empty nester or better yet for college students.  There is some stiff competition for the Rogue from VW, Ford, Mazda, and others so cross shop.
                All in all “back to basics” is a good thing.  No array of buttons to manage, no endless beeping coming from who knows where and no cold voice telling you something you don’t want to hear.  Check the Rogue out; I think you’ll find it as enjoyable to drive as I did.              

Column and photos provided by Rich Branch, EVP of Race Central TV and Radio Network Partners.