Daily Archives: May 3, 2014
2014 Nissan Rogue: Fully Redesigned
With all the big names hitting on the small crossover market, the newly launched 2014 Nissan Rogue seems like a newcomer to many. The original model of Rogue is introduced by Nissan way back in 2008 and to make it competitive for 2014 market, Nissan has launched its 2.0 version of Rogue, which can easily be qualified as a first generation Nissan Rogue. Appealing style, excellent driving dynamics and improved cabin quality are some of the highlighted features of Rogue that can give its competitors a run for their money. Nissan, also is keeping its hopes high with the newly redesigned model and has made all possible efforts to make it the best among the class starting from its improved fuel economy, to third row seats and additional advanced technology features which have actual remedied some of the deficiencies of its old original model.
Last years’ Rogue was highly criticized for its compromised cargo space, which was around 59.7 cubic foot, but this time 2014 Nissan Rogue comes with 70 cubes of cargo space, which makes it competitive for the class, additional divide-n-hide configurable rear storage system is an advantage. The earlier Nissan Rogue versions don’t come with second row seat reclines and slide feature which has been added in the 2014 Nissan Rogue with the useful 40/20/40-split configuration to make the measures good for the vehicle. To make it even better, Nissan added optional third row seat feature, which has been taken as a shrewd move from the maker because its toughest competitor Toyota RAV4 has discontinued this feature. Remarkable thing about all these changes is that, Rogue offers all these features without adding anything to its weight and size.
Once we start looking under the hood of the 2014 Nissan Rogue, we found that things are more or less same in this department. Rogue carries on with 2.5 liter four cylinder engine which is capable of generating 170 horsepower along with revised and variable transmission. The powertrain is capable enough to offer satisfactory performance along with improved fuel economy. Combined 28 mpg EPA with four wheel drive makes Rogue one of the most economical non hybrid SUVs to spend on.
Despite all the glittery and obviously appealing improvement, Nissan’s Rogue still fails to outdo its rivals in some areas and this where it lacks to match the competition. If you are looking for more power, then 2014 Nissan Rogue is absolutely of no good, instead you can look up to Kia Sorento which boasts off robust V6 engine with third row seats to give Rogue tough competition. Softened suspension of Rogue is a bit disappointing, which makes its handling tepid if compared to other smarter and fuel efficient SUVs like 2014 Mazda CX-5. 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport can also be a good option if looking for smart performance with a unique sense of style.
You may not find 2014 Nissan Rogue to be the best at everything but its quite extensive range of talents seems to attract more people towards it especially the ones looking for compact crossovers with modest price.
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: The Underdog
To beat the competition in 2014, Mitsubishi has reintroduced its 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander with extensive redesigning and inclusion of several notable features like improved mileage, third row seat, nice and luxurious interior along with use of advanced technology in several features. Every SUV loves likes to root for an underdog SUV but to an extent only and undoubtedly 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is an underdog for the thriving small SUV segment. Despite some significant improvements which it has shown this year, you will not find Outlander as your first choice to buy an SUV when the market is flourished with fully loaded feature packed options. Although, market reviewers are considering 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander a solid entry still it has its own drawbacks if we take a close at it moneywise as well as feature wise.
Consumers who are in constant search for a different kind of small crossover, the third generation Outlander by Mitsubishi have a number of things that make it fall under this different category. To start with, the tweaked powertrain with improved aerodynamic styling amalgamated by improved EPA fuel economy are some of the features that add value to the Outlander. The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is now capable of providing 31 mpg highway, which is an above average number for a seven seat crossover. If you look at the combined mpg for Outlander which is altogether a more important criteria, it goes up to 2 mpg for four cylinder as well as V6 engine. This year Mitsubishi has done some welcome changes in the interior of Outlander to make it more overhauled. Improved material quality, stylish design and high tech telescoping steering wheel, which is good for driver’s comfort and sturdy third row seating have become standard across all trim levels of Outlander.
Optional features like collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning system have surely added an advantage in Outlander over its competitors, additionally Mitsubishi has announced to plug in its hybrid model as well later this year to increase its market probability. But unlike any other seven seat crossover, 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander also has its share of drawbacks which negatively affect its changes in the market among which some of the prominent ones are its conventional lack luster engine which is very uncommon for this class, cramped third row seats which make it ideal for kids only and Mitsubishi’s small dealer network is another major drawback that can reduce its chances in the market to a large extent.
Keeping all such factors in mind, it’s actually better to look for 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander’s alternatives and in this case even five seats passenger crossovers can be a competition for Outlander. Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 are some of the most convenient and prominent options to look for. However, in seven seat segment there are some other options like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, which obviously are far better than Outlander in every possible manner. Although, Outlander has a tough competition to face in 2014 SUV market, but the underdog is still worth a look in compact crossover segment.
