Driving around with my daughter in the 2012 Rogue, a question sprang to mind….Why did Nissan name this car after a word that means ‘scoundrel’?  Come to find out (thanks to a great post on Jalopnik) the name ‘Rogue’ was initially intended for a V12, 850-hp supercar to be built by the motorcycle company, Brammo, Inc.  The car never made it to production, and Brammo sold the name to Nissan.  To distinguish it from others in its class, Nissan chose the name ‘Rogue,’ to personify a CUV with sporty styling and athletic dynamics.  And the Rogue lives up to it.

One of the best features no doubt is its looks.  Resembling its big brother Murano, the Rogue shares the same exterior styling, a marriage of sporty with chic.  Bold, smooth lines, and a redesigned nose that competes with the best of Beverly Hills.  What struck me on the one I drove was the lustrous color.  Graphite blue, available for 2012.  Stepping out in 93-degree, pea-soup humidity, just looking at this color made me feel cooler.  It sparkles like the sea.

The 2012 Rogue is offered in two trims, S and SV – both equipped with a 170-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and CVT Transmission.  All 2012 Rogue models are available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.

On the interior, we were fortunate to have the SL package, available on the SV model, which brings perks like six-way power adjustable leather seats,  power glass moonroof, and Bose premium stereo system with subwoofer.  It also includes Nissan’s new Around View® Monitor feature, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle.  Interior materials are not the best, but they are simple, friendly to use and easy on the eyes.  Ironically, one of the chief complaints about the Rogue’s interior is that light enters never to return, due to smaller windows.  And I agree rearview visibility is compromised.  But in a one man’s ceiling is another man’s floor spirit,  the darker, cooler cabin spelled oasis on a sticky hot day.  The leather seating in my test car was pale grey, adding a soft touch.  And in those comfortable seats with a top notch stereo, I’m content to spend the afternoon.

Another bonus is space.  Cabin room is ample with no compromise on the front seat passenger with a rear facing car seat installed. Latches were fairly accessible.  Seat cushions were a bit stiff which made getting the base in easier than getting it out.  Cargo area offers 29 cubic ft. with rear seats up, 58 cubic ft. folded down.   A day at the beach with stroller, chairs, cooler and bags left room to spare.

Behind the wheel,  the 2.5L 170-hp engine drives smooth and steady.   Road bumps absorbed with aplomb.  It’s when you step on the gas to really get where you’re going that the car says, ‘whoa’ give me a few minutes.  The CVT transmission is slow to respond.   A trade-off for better fuel economy.

For a driver whose motto is normally ‘the more power the better,’ I found the comfortable interior and smooth ride so welcoming that I hardly noticed what it lacked.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $22,070 – $29,710
engine: 2.5L I-4
hp/torque: 170 hp/175 ft-lb
drivetrain: AWD or FWD
fuel economy:  23 city/28 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
stylish, athletic, affordable

What’s the best thing about it?
comfortable, spacious interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
could use more power

Mom-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I’m a charming rogue with good looks.”