The compact Nissan Rogue crossover utility vehicle gains a new engine for 2022. One year removed from the introduction of its third-generation model, the 2022 Rogue gains a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder motor. Moreover, that engine is now standard across the model line.
Robust Power and Efficiency
Introduced at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2022 Rogue gains a familiar engine design. Specifically, this features variable compression, the same as the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine found in various Nissan and Infiniti products. The advantage of the technology becomes quickly apparent in two areas: power and fuel efficiency. Indeed, the new engine delivers 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. That’s up from the 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque the previous 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivers.
On the fuel efficiency front, the engine is more efficient, averaging 33 mpg combined, up from 30 mpg previously. Nissan claims that it now has the most efficient model in the compact crossover segment. As before, power routes to the front or all four wheels utilize a continuously variable transmission.
“As the Nissan NEXT transformation continues, the 2022 Nissan Rogue’s all-new powertrain is a proof point of the company’s commitment to investing in its lineup and improving the company’s product, brand and sales power in the U.S.,” said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales. “Rogue’s new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo adds real-world value while providing more thrill behind the wheel.”
Made in Tennessee
The new engine is being constructed at Nissan’s powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn. That facility supplies engines and electric motors for all of Nissan’s U.S. manufactured vehicles. Nissan has financed more than $1.23 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations over the past two years. That initiative is part of the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, which has provided the marque with one of the newest U.S. vehicle rosters anywhere.
“The VC-Turbo is the most advanced engine Nissan has ever produced in the U.S.,” said Steve Marsh, senior vice president, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America. “With the new Rogue engine, the Decherd team will continue to deliver top-quality powertrains that provide the thrilling driving experience Nissan customers expect from our vehicles.”
VC-Turbo Technology
Nissan’s variable compression engine technology was 20 years in the making when it appeared in the 2019 Infiniti QX50 as well as the 2019 Nissan Altima. The VC-Turbo system is unique as it incessantly adapts its compression ratio to enhance power and proficiency through the use of an innovative multi-link system.
Notably, the sophisticated VC-Turbo’s high/low compression ratio technology develops a pair of distinct driving profiles – dynamic performance and economy (efficient). Each profile is available on driver demand and occurs automatically. Thus, the new Rogue powertrain supplies robust and certain acceleration under a variety of conditions. These include a cold start while passing when moving onto a highway.
A New CVT
Besides the three-cylinder engine, the 2022 Rogue gains a new CVT. Dubbed Xtronic internally, the transmission comes with a 17 percent wider gear ratio coverage along with a 32 percent lower friction compared with the previous CVT.
Nissan says the new transmission technologies consist of a twin oil pump system and a newly developed control valve system. The pump system blends a modest mechanical pump (with modest oil flow) for slow shifting between low and high ratios. The second electric oil pump (with larger oil flow) provides quicker shifting for hard-driving situations.
Price and Availability
Nissan offers the 2022 Rogue in four trims ($26,700 FWD/$28,200 AWD); SV ($28,390/$29,890); SL ($33,050/$34,550); and Platinum ($36,480/$37,980). Further, a destination and handling fee ($1,175) must be added.
Finally, the 2022 Nissan Rogue goes on sale Winter 2021/2022.
See Also — The Third-Generation Nissan Rogue Crossover
