While the new Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition has all the looks of an off-roader with its 17-inch all-terrain paws, redesigned front fascia with blacked out grille, all-around camera and tubular roof rack, don’t look for serious off-road performance and you won’t be disappointed.
It sure looks like it would be a boulder-climber though. What it lacks in grunt it delivers in a smooth and quiet pavement ride with all-wheel drive and terrain modes that glide over dirt trails with hill descent control that keeps a steady speed while negotiating steep inclines.
The Rock Creek edition is a practical and attractive compact crossover featuring water-repellent faux leather seating with red accent stitching and piano black dash trim.
All Rogue trims this year are powered by a new three-cylinder engine that greatly improves fuel economy at the cost of mild acceleration.
The new turbocharged engine is rated at 201 horsepower sending 225 lb.-ft of torque to its front wheels or optional all-wheel drive.
In our independent testing, the new Rogue accelerated from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds, similar with last year’s four-cylinder powerplant featuring 181 ponies.
Rogue is available in five trims: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL and Platinum with base prices ranging from the low $30s to $40s. Our tester stickered just under $40,000 pushing some buyers to more powerful rivals.
An $800 available Premium Package adds memory powered front seats, wireless charging pad and power liftgate. Weather Tech like floor liners, premium paint – White, Black, Gray and Gray-Blue, auto dimming rearview mirror, interior LED accent lighting and universal remote are also available.
All Rogue trims include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist and rear automatic braking.
Our tester featured Nissan Connect features — Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Sirius XM. A smallish 8-inch color touch screen was underwhelming when compared with rivals’ Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness or Ford Bronco Sport.
The new Rogue trim features intelligent auto headlights, LED low and high beam, daytime running lights and taillamps and dual power and heated outside mirrors.
Fuel economy is a bright spot with EPA estimates of 27 city and 32 highway miles per gallon although the Rock Creek’s 17-inch all-terrain tires will reduce these figures by 1-2 mpg.
We were disappointed that the Rock Creek does not offer a built-in navigation system.
In highway travel, once up to speed, the Rogue offers a compliant ride with precise steering, firm braking and little body roll. While it lacks in passing power, the Rogue delivers a smooth ride with suspension that absorbs most pavement irregularities.
Nissan’s Pro-Pilot Assist 2.1 combines numerous safety tech gear to keep you safe in most driving conditions although disclaimers keep the driver uppermost in control.
What was reviewed: 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek AWD Engine: 1.5-liter three-cylinder, 201 horsepower EPA rated mileage: 27 city, 32 highway, 29 combined MSRP/as tested: $35,420 / $38,890 Assembled: Final assembly of the Rock Creek Edition is in Smyrna, TN at Nissan facilities. Major source of foreign parts — Japan, 40 percent and Mexico, 15 percent; Country of origin — engine — Japan and transmission — Mexico. Crash test ratings: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2025 Nissan Rogue a “Good” rating, its highest in small and moderate overlap crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Rock Creek Edition an overall five-star rating. Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile basic; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain; three scheduled oil changes within 2 years/24,000-miles whichever comes first.
What was reviewed 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek AWD Engine: 1.5-liter three-cylinder, 201 horsepower EPA rated mileage: 27 city, 32 highway, 29 combined MSRP/as tested: $35,420 / $38,890 Assembled: Final assembly of the Rock Creek Edition is in Smyrna, TN at Nissan facilities. Major source of foreign parts – Japan, 40 percent and Mexico, 15 percent; Country of origin – engine – Japan and transmission — Mexico. Crash test ratings: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2025 Nissan Rogue a “Good” rating, its highest in small and moderate overlap crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Rock Creek Edition an overall five-star rating. Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile basic; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain; three scheduled oil changes within 2 years/24,000-miles whichever comes first. {related_content_uuid}439a1ead-cdf7-4784-aec1-24739c9e5b9f{/related_content_uuid}