Automobile consumers are into the entire out of doors way of life factor, even when they do not spend that a lot time outside. And let’s be sincere—for many drivers, the definition of off-road is following a seasonal street or maybe a two-track to a neat spot for picnics, fishing, tenting, or simply getting out of the workplace for a bit. None of that could be a drawback for the usual Nissan Rogue.

This is not customary, although. The Rock Creek Version provides Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a roof rack, cool black wheels, and strategically positioned orange trim to offer consumers the gruff persona they’re looking for. As for suspension upgrades, properly, there are none. The dampers are retuned particularly for the Rock Creek, however every thing beneath is strictly as you’d discover on a regular Rogue. In idea, you could possibly mount up some gnarly tires, bust out some orange paint, and make your personal Rock Creek, proper?

Photograph by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

That is what we will suss out for the following week as we put this soft-roader by way of its paces. Spoiler alert: we already sampled the Rock Creek at a correct off-road park the place it did fairly properly. Nissan tweaks the Rogue’s digital mind with an off-road mode that may route energy to wheels that want traction, which may save your bacon should you get caught in some undulating terrain. However that outing was simply a few hours in a slow-speed park. Residing with the Rogue for every week and utilizing it as most SUV consumers do is a special story.

To that finish, we’re headed for trails and purchasing malls. It will be absurdly moist in Northern Michigan for the following week—meaning an additional serving to of mud through the spring thaw. And snow cannot be dominated out both, as a result of you realize, Michigan. As we journey with Nissan’s latest journey automobile, ask us questions. Tell us what you’d wish to see, or know extra about. Inside purpose, in fact. We aren’t doing any ice donuts on partially frozen lakes. In all probability.

What’s Good So Far

• Noise. The Falkens are comfortably subdued on pavement, and that huge roof rack would not generate any undue buffeting. With just a few miles already clocked, the Rogue Rock Creek appears simply as serene as a regular mannequin.
• Ergonomics. Nissan hasn’t gone overboard with tech, which may be a damaging for some. You’ll be able to leap in chilly and intuitively head out with barely a minute of familiarization. The inside is enticing, if a bit dated, and the seats are snug. Fortunately, Nissan would not attempt to make this a three-row SUV, so there’s good house within the second row with loads of cargo capability on the again.
• Value. This specific Rogue checks in at $38,890, vacation spot cost included. That is not a nasty worth contemplating the appears and options, which embody power-heated entrance seats and Nissan’s ProPilot driver-assist tech, to not point out the Rock Creek upgrades.

Photograph by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

What’s Dangerous So Far?

• Small Infotainment Display screen. Nissan makes use of an 8.0-inch display for all Rogue trims save for the range-topping Platinum, which has a 12.3-inch show. Going bigger is not even an possibility for different trims, and whereas many individuals want small screens, the Rock Creek’s off-road cameras can be far more practical on the larger show.
• VC Turbo Engine. It makes 201 horsepower, which is a lot for the Rogue. Nevertheless it comes throughout a bit harsh amid the quiet inside, each in noise and suggestions.
• No Skid Plates. It is onerous to have faith venturing off the crushed path if a wayward tree department can harm very important elements. There’s a tender cowl over the powertrain in entrance, however it will be of little assist should you backside out on a tree or rock. You possibly can definitely add some covers simply sufficient, however at this degree, Nissan ought to embody one thing from the manufacturing unit.

Photograph by: Christopher Smith / Motor1

The Rogue is Nissan’s best-selling automobile by far, and one of many best-selling SUVs in the USA. Its continued recognition will likely be pivotal to Nissan’s survival, and the Rock Creek Version might assist appeal to consumers to the ageing platform. When you have any questions whereas we’re driving it, leap into the feedback and tell us.