Road trips serve as the ultimate evaluation for any SUV. Comfort, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and advanced technology all play critical roles during extensive hours behind the wheel. I recently took the 2025 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD on a practical, multi-terrain assessment—a weeklong expedition from Phoenix to Los Angeles, traversing various landscapes including vast desert highways, mountain ascents, crowded city thoroughfares, and picturesque coastal roads. Here’s how it fared throughout this journey.
Exterior: A Stylish and Functional Travel Partner
At first sight, the Rogue Platinum features a striking V-Motion grille, streamlined LED headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels that make it easily recognizable, even in a packed Los Angeles parking lot. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the experience, providing sweeping views of the desert landscape and ocean vistas along the route. The two-tone black roof paired with a contrasting exterior paint gave the Rogue a refined and upscale appearance, elevating it beyond the typical compact SUV.
However, aesthetics alone do not tell the full story—practicality was paramount on this road trip. The hands-free power liftgate proved invaluable while loading and unloading our luggage. The roof rails, although unused on this occasion, offer additional versatility for carrying extra gear if needed.
Interior: Roomy, Comfortable, and Perfect for Road Trips
Preparing for a week-long trip can be complicated, but the Divide-N-Hide® cargo system emerged as one of the Rogue’s standout features. For two travelers, there was ample space for luggage, hiking gear, beach items, and some shopping finds from LA. The power-folding rear seats further enhanced its adaptability.
The quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats provided an unexpectedly high degree of comfort, making lengthy hours on the road feel manageable. Features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel were particularly welcome during early morning departures, while the tri-zone climate control allowed my passenger to customize their environment to their liking.
One of the aspects I appreciated most about this road trip? The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment setup with integrated Google Assistant, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Having Google Maps embedded in the system eliminated the need for awkward phone mounts or draining battery power. Additionally, the Bose® premium audio system heightened the enjoyment of cruising along California’s coastal highways with the windows down.
Performance: From Open Desert Roads to LA Congestion
The journey from Phoenix to Los Angeles encompassed a diverse array of terrains—from flat desert highways to mountainous climbs, urban congestion, and narrow beachfront parking areas. The 1.5L turbocharged engine (201 hp, 225 lb-ft of torque) provided a commendable balance of power and efficiency, never demonstrating sluggishness even on steep grades approaching California’s mountain passes.
Meanwhile, the XTRONIC CVT transmission was calibrated for smooth acceleration, facilitating a seamless merging process onto highways. On lengthy highway stretches, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system and Drive Mode Dial instilled further confidence, especially when encountering unexpected rain showers in the mountainous regions.
Fuel efficiency was another highlight—averaging around 32 MPG, the Rogue carried us through the entire journey without needing frequent fuel stops. In fact, my only stops for gas coincided with our meal breaks or stretches.
Maneuvering through Los Angeles traffic showcased the Rogue’s compact dimensions and effortless maneuverability. Weaving through gridlocked lanes was a straightforward task, and navigating notoriously cramped parking spots was manageable thanks to the 3D Enhanced Intelligent Around View® Monitor. The Invisible Hood View proved invaluable in those tight LA garages where space is at a premium.
Driver Experience: Simple, Comfortable, and Stress-Free
One of the most significant advantages of the 2025 Rogue Platinum AWD was how consistently comfortable it remained throughout the trip. Aside from our scheduled stops, I felt no inclination to pause for a stretch. The seats stayed supportive, the ride was smooth, and road noise remained minimal, even at highway velocities.
The ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system further enhanced the overall experience, especially on extended freeway stretches. Engaging in hands-free driving on compatible routes allowed me to admire the surroundings while still maintaining focus on the road. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering made the journey effortless, even amidst the unpredictable traffic as we neared LA.
Once in the city, stop-and-go traffic became more manageable thanks to ProPILOT’s ability to come to a complete stop and resume when needed. The steering assist was beneficial during tricky lane changes, and traffic sign recognition kept me informed of fluctuating speed limits.
Safety: Assurance on Every Path
The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite provided reassurance throughout our trip. Features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking were especially beneficial while navigating congested areas and busy intersections in LA.
On the open highway, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection provided added confidence, particularly in unpredictable traffic situations and sudden slowdowns.
Moreover, the Driver Attention and Distraction Warning system was an invaluable feature, gently reminding me to take breaks after lengthy stretches on the road.
Image Source: quiggyt4 / Shutterstock
