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The 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum model with two-tone exterior.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 201 horsepower, connected to a continuously variable transmission.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum model comes with a quilted semi-aniline leather interior and room for up to five passengers.

Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S, market, the Tennessee-built Rogue compact crossover, moved into a new generation just two years ago, and for 2022, a new turbocharged four-cylinder became the power under its hood. With prices starting at $27,360 (plus $1,295 freight), the 2023 Rogue comes with the standard 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine rated at 201 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque. The engine features “advanced variable compression,” which means that it can automatically vary the compression ratio for increased power output or for greater fuel efficiency, as indicated by the driver’s style. New for 2023, the Rogue's engine has standard Idle Stop-Start, which shuts off the engine and automatically restarts it when it comes to a stop, such as at a red light.

There is also a new generation of the Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to improve acceleration feel and reduce fuel consumption. Nissan says this powertrain combination gives the Rogue best-in-class gasoline engine fuel economy of up to 30 mpg city/37 highway/33 combined for select front-wheel-drive models. Four trim levels are offered for 2023, beginning with the S model with front-wheel drive at the $27,360 price. With all-wheel drive, the S model is $28,860. Other grades include the SV ($29,050, front drive; $30,550, AWD); SL ($33,710, FWD; $35,210, AWD); and Platinum ($37,140, FWD; $38,640, AWD). New for the 2023 model year is a Midnight Edition package ($1,535) for the Rogue SV. It brings a blacked-out appearance with gloss-black exterior mirror caps and front V-motion grille, 18-inch gloss-black aluminum alloy wheels, black lower front and rear fascia inserts, black exterior badging, black roof rails, a black rear diffuser and TailorFit leatherette seating. Also new: the Rogue Platinum and SL Premium package add Amazon Alexa, which can play music, place calls, control smart home devices and more, all with voice commands.

Our test model for this report was the 2023 Rogue Platinum model with all-wheel drive.   Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology and available ProPilot Assist (standard on our Platinum tester) make long drives on the open highway safer and easier. Also standard are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and on our vehicle, wireless device charging. Overall, the newest Rogue is 1.5 inches shorter and 0.2 inches lower than the previous generation. The body is more aerodynamic, with what Nissan calls a “floating roof” design and the V-motion grille. There are multi-level LED headlights with wider beams, and the body sides have U-shaped highlights.

Also helping to improve aerodynamics are 3-D tire deflectors in the lower front fascia, active grill shutters, special A-pillar shaping, underbody covers, and air curtains that help direct air along and under the body.  EPA fuel economy ratings for our Platinum AWD model are 28 city/34 highway/31 combined, and we averaged about 30.6 mpg with about a 50/50 combination of city and highway driving during our test week.

Factory-installed options available include the SV Premium Package ($2,660) and SL Premium Package ($1,530). As the top of the line, the Platinum model comes with just about everything available on the new Rogue, including quilted semi-aniline leather seats, Quick Comfort heated front seats, heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel; hands-free power liftgate; wireless charging pad and the new wireless Apple CarPlay; , four-door Intelligent Key system; the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Intelligent Cruise Control and Navi-link, a Bose premium audio system; a height-adjustable driver’s seat; rear air vents; satellite radio, and two front USB ports. Our Platinum tester also came with such extras as the Platinum Premium Package ($620), with a head-up display, three-zone automatic climate control and heated rear seats; external ground lighting ($620); interior accent lighting ($350); illuminated kick plates ($400); frameless rearview mirror, with universal garage/gate opener; and two-tone paint ($350). Nissan says the new “family hub” interior was designed for utility and comfort, and makes use of premium materials that help give the Rogue a luxury feel.  The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of features includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. Rogue also has 10 standard air bags and extended crumple zones to help protect occupants in the event of an accident. Exterior colors include five two-tone combinations with a $350 upcharge (body and roof are separate colors), or $745 for two-tone combinations with premium paint. Premium paint without the two-tone scheme is $395 extra. Our test vehicle came with the Champagne Silver Metallic exterior paint with black roof, and the tan quilted leather interior.  Rogue wheels come in 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum-alloy designs, depending on the model or package chosen. Standard on our Platinum model were the 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Standard on all models are Nissan's Intelligent Driver Alertness technology and Rear Door Alert. My tester included Remote Engine Start with dual-zone Intelligent Climate Control to heat or cool the interior before entering, two rear charge-only USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Up front, there is a center console between the bucket seats with a "butterfly" opening. The Rogue has seating for up to five, along with a generous cargo area with up to 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second-row seatback folded down.  Rear doors open extra wide -- nearly 90 degrees – for easier entry and exit, and child safety-seat tethers and anchors are available in all three rear seating positions.  NASA-inspired Zero Gravity low-fatigue seats are standard front and rear. The rear cargo area has a large opening, and there is a motion-activated power tailgate. The included Divide-n-Hide cargo system helps arrange cargo, and there is a hidden, secure storage area for valuables.  A cargo bin on the right side behind the wheel arch is perfect for securing loose items, groceries or a gallon of milk. In the cockpit, there is a full-color 10.8-inch head-up display; a 12.3-inch Digital Dashboard gauge cluster with specially designed background graphics; and a “floating” nine-inch touch screen featuring apps and controls for various vehicle functions. There is plenty of leg and knee room for second-row passengers, although it can get a bit cramped in the middle for an adult sitting between two other adults.

Rogue comes with four-wheel independent suspension, electronic stability control with traction control, and Hill Start Assist. There is a new electric power steering system. The new electronic shifter design eliminates the need for equipment under the shifter, Nissan says, which allows for extra storage space under the "floating" center console. Rogue’s optional all-wheel drive system comes with Hill Descent Control. While not intended for serious off-road use, as it does not have low-range gearing, the four-wheel drive is good enough for beach and limited dirt-road driving. Safety features include front seat-mounted side air bags; roof-mounted side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors front and rear; child-safe rear door locks; an anti-theft alarm; and tire-pressure monitoring with Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire Alert system. The CVT has an Eco mode to help drivers improve their fuel economy. It's designed to change acceleration pedal feel, and it includes an icon on the dash to show that the vehicle is in Eco mode. With the turbo engine, we had plenty of power for our everyday driving. The transmission shifted smoothly with a minimum of engine run-up that’s often noticeable with such transmissions. It seems more like a conventional transmission with defined shift points.  Even at highway speeds, the Rogue’s cabin is quiet. The electric power steering was tight and responsive, and with the four-wheel antilock disc brakes, braking was safe and confident. Our tester also came with a $425 package that included floor mats, a two-piece cargo-area protector, a seatback protector, and a first-aid kit. Total sticker price for our 2023 Rogue Platinum AWD was $43,100, including freight and options. The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

The package: Compact, five-door, five-passenger, front- or all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, gasoline-powered, crossover utility vehicle. Advantages: Nissan’s compact crossover got a complete makeover for 2021, with new exterior and interior styling, along with new safety and driver-assist technologies. A standard turbocharged gasoline engine was added for 2022. Negatives: No engine upgrade offered for those who want more power. Engine: 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder, turbocharged. Transmission: Continuously variable automatic. Power/torque: 201 HP./225 foot-pounds. Length: 183.0 inches. Curb weight range: 3,477-3,715 pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock. Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side-curtain for both rows. Electronic stability control: Standard. Cargo volume: 31.6 cubic feet (behind second row); 74.1 cubic feet (rear seatback folded), except 36.5 cubic feet behind second row on SL and Platinum with Divide-N-Hide in low position. Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds. Fuel capacity/type: 14.5 gallons/unleaded regular.  EPA fuel economy: 30 mpg city/37 highway/33 combined (S, SV, front-wheel drive); 29/36/32 (SL, Platinum, front-drive); 28/35/31 (S, SV, all-wheel drive); 28/34/31 (SL, Platinum, AWD). Major competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Outback, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5. Base price range: $27,360-$38,640, plus $1,295 freight. Price as tested: $43,100, including freight and options (2023 Platinum AWD). On the Road rating: 9.2 (of a possible 10). Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.