Now in its fourth model year as a compact sport utility vehicle, the Nissan Rogue is the smaller sibling of the Murano crossover. It comes standard with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is an option) and a four-cylinder, 170-horsepower engine.

For 2011, the Rogue has refreshed styling, several new colors and features for the first time Bluetooth and a USB port. It’s available in three trims, S, SL and Krom — the sport model.

The new styling includes a new front fascia with fog-light cut-outs, a redesigned chrome grille, the addition of chrome trim on the lower door edges, a revised rear spoiler, and a new chrome bar above the rear license-plate holder. Eight paint colors are now available, twice as many as the 2010 model.

The interior has also been redesigned with a new instrument panel and center stack, new seat upholstery and new ambient lighting.

The base model S includes anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry, and AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers and an auxiliary input jack.

The SL trim level adds 17-inch alloy wheels, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, body-color power outside mirrors, rear tinted glass and a polished exhaust-tip, as well as with HID headlights, paddle-shifters and an 8-speaker stereo system.

The Weekly Driver Test Drive

During a week dominated by inclement weather, the Rogue held its own. No, the Rogue isn’t the SUV for off-road treks. But it was ideal during the rainy and often windy conditions in city and freeway driving.

The rear cargo area was plenty big enough to carry a large load of firewood, and like other recent SUV test vehicles, the Rogue feels comfortable upon first driving.

Likes:

Fuel economy.

Passenger and cargo room.

Intuitive controls and dials.

The SV package including automatic climate control, navigation system, traffic information, power sunroof, automatic headlights is a good deal for $1,650.

Exterior color: Platinum Graphite.

Dislikes:

Freeway acceleration is sub-par.

Facts & Figures: 2011 Nissan Rogue

Acceleration: 0-60 mph (not available).
Airbags: front, side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags.
Antilock brakes: Standard.
First aid kit: Not available.
Fuel economy: 22 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).
Government Safety Ratings: Frontal crash, not rated; Side crash, not rated; Rollover, 5 stars.
Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder, 170 horsepower.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $24,376.
Price as tested: $25,660.
Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000-miles; Roadside Assistance, 3 years/ 36,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.
Manufacturer’s website: www.nissanusa.com

What Others Say:

“Overall, the Rogue is a fun, sporty and cool-looking compact crossover.” —-Popular Mechanics

“Bottom line: If you need rugged, off-road capability, get an Xterra. If you want a kinder, gentler station wagon that you don’t have to call a station wagon, get the Rogue.” —- Orlando Sentinel

“On its first try, Nissan has produced a good-looking and spirited small SUV. It doesn’t have a third row or optional V-6 power, but there are plenty of small-SUV buyers who desire neither feature. The Rogue has the rest of the small-sport-ute checklist covered.” —- Car and Driver

What The Wife Says:

“This SUV seems like a good utilitarian vehicle. The navigation system helped us get out of a nightmare traffic situation during a flash mob scene at the mall.”

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:

“The exterior is sleek and cool, the ride is comfortable, the interior is well-defined and intuitive. There are lots of SUV choices, not all of which have to be taken off road or expected to be tantamount to a Jeep Wrangler. The Rogue is for functional, economical and versatile road transportation, and it works well.”