Should You Take the 2022 Nissan Rogue Off Road?
The Nissan Rogue’s ground clearance and drivetrain make it a less-than-ideal option if you want an adventurous, off-road vehicle.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Despite its name, the 2022
Nissan Rogue
isn’t all that well-equipped for crazy off-roading adventures. You may be able to carefully power through an unpaved parking lot, but you’ll require something with a higher ground clearance and heftier powertrain if you want a serious trail warrior. Whether you’re looking for an SUV that you can load up and take camping or something that can tackle the most aggressive rocks and mud on a regular basis, it’s essential to understand your vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
Car insurance
broker and super app
extraordinaire Jerry
, is here to go through all of the specs that affect the 2022 Nissan Rogue’s off-road capabilities, including ground clearance, torque, tires, drivetrain, and more. Then, we’ll discuss some popular alternatives to see if they’re any better or worse. 
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Can the 2022 Nissan Rogue go off road?
Maybe—but you’ll have to proceed with caution. To “go rogue” means to disregard the rules, but you’ll probably want to follow standard traffic rules and stay on paved paths with your Nissan. While it can certainly handle unpaved parking lots and perhaps an unshoveled driveway, you definitely won’t be able to conquer any extreme off-road activities like rock climbing.
With a starting MSRP of $27,150, the Nissan Rogue is much more affordable than other SUVs designed specifically for rough terrains. And while it’s certainly a well-rounded vehicle that offers a comfortable drive, it might not hit all the marks if you’re particularly adventurous.
Let’s take a look at the specs that affect your Rogue’s off-road performance.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance—or the distance between the lowest point on your vehicle’s chassis and the ground—is one of the most important specs when it comes to off-roading. Basically, it determines how confidently you can conquer rough terrains without worrying about damaging your car’s undercarriage.
The 2022 Rogue has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches—which certainly isn’t horrible, but it still rides a little lower than off-roaders would like.
Experts recommend a minimum ground clearance of 8.5 inches for light off-roading adventures, but you’ll need8.8 to 10.8 inches for really rough terrain. The
Jeep Wrangler
—a mudder’s typical favorite—boasts a ground clearance of 9.7 inches, so it’s clear that the Nissan Rogue doesn’t exactly stack up.Torque
The 2022 Nissan Rogue does offer a comfortable amount of torque—that is, 225 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm. This comes from a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower.
The very best off-road vehicles have low-end torque, or high amounts of torque at a lower RPM, because turning power matters far more than speed when you’re riding through rough trails.
The 2021 RAV4 TRD Off Road (a vehicle literally named after its off-roading capabilities) only gets a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM—so the Nissan’s power really isn’t that bad!
Tires
It should be pretty obvious that your vehicle’s tires have a pretty big effect on its ability to drive through dirt, mud, rocks, sand, and snow. The Nissan Rogue is equipped with P235/65HR17 all-season tires, which aren’t exactly our first choice when it comes to off-roading.
Typically, we recommend
all-terrain tires
or adventurous drivers who still want to drive on paved highways. They won’t necessarily last as long as the all-season tires that the Rogue comes with, but they will offer far better traction.Of course, all-season tires do make your Rogue more versatile, and you’ll also drive smoother on the highway!
MORE: How to put snow chains on tires
Drivetrain
The 2022 Nissan Rogue comes standard with front-wheel drive, which is a big no-no in off-roading situations. Fortunately, you can upgrade to all-wheel drive. It’ll cost a bit extra, but it’s an absolute must for off-roading.
Angles
The last secs to consider are your SUV’s approach angle—or the maximum angle at which it can climb without interference—and departure angle—or the maximum angle at which it can descend without interference.
The Rogue has a modest approach angle of 19 inches and an only-slightly-higher departure angle of 23.6 inches. You might be able to handle some gentle dips and potholes, but serious rock crawling won’t be a possibility.
Off-road rating: In a Pinch
We’ve rated the 2022 Nissan Rogue ad using
Jerry’s
super-technical DIRT rating system, broken down in the table below:Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
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The 2022 Nissan Rogue earns an I rating for obvious reasons—although its torque isn’t unimpressive, its ground clearance, angles, and tires are less-than-desirable for standard off-roading vehicles. Plus, you’ll need to fork over extra cash to upgrade to all-wheel drive.
In other words, you might be able to drive to a family-friendly campsite, but don’t expect to go rock-crawling in your Rogue.
The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is an affordable and flexible SUV, but it’s certainly not equipped for extreme off-roading adventures.
Below, we suggest some alternatives—although the best vehicle will ultimately depend on what you’re looking for in an SUV.
Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
2022 Nissan Rogue Sport | $24,260 | Unfortunately, the Nissan Rogue Sport isn’t really any sportier than the standard Rogue. Instead, it’s a smaller crossover that’s a little bit slower and a lot less refined. However, it’s a great option if you have a very tight budget. |
2022 Honda CR-V | $25,750 | Although this Honda offers even lower ground clearance than the Rogue, it offers a much smoother powertrain, more comfortable ride, and secure handling. If you’re looking for a wonderful family vehicle that can occasionally drive over an unpaved parking lot, this is your most luxurious bet. |
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan | $25,995 | The Tiguan is one of the few crossovers that is available with a third row of seating, allowing you to fit 6 or 7 people. Once again, the Rogue outperforms in terms of ground clearance. |
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Off-road vehicles tend to be a bit more expensive—both to purchase and to insure. So, whether you go with the Nissan Rogue or something else with a bit more all-terrain capabilities, you’ll want to do everything in your power to save money on your car insurance policy.
If you want cheap car insurance quotes fast, go to Jerry. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy.
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