Driving the USA Pro Challenge, #2: Navigating the mountains in a 2013 Nissan Rogue

A good navigation system is a welcomed companion, particularly on long solo trips like the journey I’m taking through the heart of Colorado in a 2013 Nissan Rogue during the third USA Pro Challenge.

After flying from Sacramento to Denver, I drove to Snowmass in the Rogue following the navigation system instructions, which ideally detailed the 215-mile route. The 5-inch screen in the Rogue is small and it’s not positioned in the best location. It sits low on the center dash.

But for its small size, the system has some keen features. Many of its functions, for example, are available on via the touch screen and via a dial.

Unlike some navigation systems, which seemingly bark orders and sometimes within seconds of a pending turn, the Nissan system is friendly and efficient.

The voice offers instructions like: “prepare to turn right.” And the instructions arrive well within time. When a turn is pending, there’s another command: “Turn right after 600 feet.” Most systems offer instructions like “half-mile.”

While driving from Snowmasss to Aspen round-trip twice, the mountain roads often featured roundabouts. The Nissan system was intuitive and often offered double instructions like: “take the right at the third exit and then immediately take the next left.”