2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Review + Video

Somewhere in the middle of the sliding scale of compact crossovers with adventurous aspirations sits the 2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, a new trim that adds some all-terrain tires and other features to the brand’s most popular model.

Keep your off-road ambitions in check and this Nissan will play along as a willing — and relatively stylish — companion made to take on the likes of the Honda CR-V TrailSport and Toyota RAV4 Woodland while stopping short of the more robust Subaru Outback Wilderness. It’s also priced right, undercutting its direct competitors in the niche corner of the segment they collectively occupy.

Styling 8 / 10

Some might say the Rogue looks a little anonymous, but the Rock Creek treatment flips that narrative on its head. Beyond this tester’s slick shade of Baja Storm paint ($250) that’s exclusive to this rugged-ish trim, there’s a beefy roof rack and all-terrain tires, plus a unique front end and a few orange accents scattered here and there to help braodcast its intentions.

The interior enhancements are a little more modest, with some orange accent stitching throughout to go with embroidered Rock Creek logos on both front seats. Otherwise, it looks like any other Rogue out there, with an inoffensive design that mixes materials reasonably well. There’s a bit of scratch- and smudge-prone plastic here and there, but the space feels like it’s a step up from the similarly executed CR-V TrailSport.

Comfort 6 / 10

The faux-leather upholstery isn’t an especially convincing fake, although it’s easy to clean — helpful in a pseudo-explorer such as this. The bigger issue is the way the front seats are shaped. While the bolsters aren’t overly pronounced they’re on the narrow side, making the confines a little cozy for those with broad shoulders or hips (or both). On the plus side, they’re both heated, as is the steering wheel.

The other issue on the comfort front is the ride quality, with the suspension doing little to soften the blows of daily driving thanks to spring rates that feel stiffer than most crossovers this size, adventurous or otherwise. While the ride isn’t entirely unpleasant, not even the squishy all-terrain tires that come with the Rogue’s Rock Creek package do much to help matters.

Driving Feel 7 / 10

In spite of the so-so ride, the Rogue is a simple and (relatively) satisfying crossover to drive. None of these is especially exciting to pilot and this Nissan is no different, but that’s not a criticism — it’s a simple statement of fact. The steering is responsive if lacking in feel, a common theme amongst modern electrically power-assisted systems, while body roll is reasonably well managed and the braking well balanced.

Power 7 / 10

The biggest difference between the Rogue Rock Creek and its rivals is what powers them. Both the RAV4 Woodland and CR-V TrailSport use hybrid systems, while Nissan’s rendition of what a rugged-ish compact crossover should be includes a tiny turbocharged engine. The 1.5L three-cylinder makes 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, while its variable compression technology changes ratios on the fly to prioritize performance or efficiency.

That’s a fairly generous serving of torque, particularly for such a small engine, and you’ll rarely find it wanting for more of the stuff that makes it all go. It works in tandem with an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that does a decent job of not sounding or feeling terribly strained with a heavy foot on the throttle, plus there are paddle shifters to move through simulated gears.

However, some concerns have been raised about the reliability of the engine’s variable compression technology. The complex system uses extra linkages to control the maximum height of the pistons, which is what changes the compression ratio. But recalls have been a nagging issue for a number of years now, even if the instances of mechanical failure aren’t especially abundant.

Fuel Economy 7 / 10

The Rogue features a fully automatic all-wheel-drive system that can decouple the rear wheels to reduce fuel consumption. However, it’s not enough to make this crossover as efficient as its gas-electric rivals, with ratings of 8.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 8.0 combined, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). For the sake of comparison, the RAV4 Woodland is good for 6.2 combined, while the CR-V TrailSport comes in at 6.7.

Practicality 9 / 10

The Rogue is something of a sleeper pick amongst crossovers this size for its spaciousness, as well as the access that comes with it. The rear doors swing open a full 90 degrees, which is the sort of top-notch intangible that will make life easier when it’s time to get little ones in and out of their car seats. Rear-seat legroom is also generous, for those travelling with growing teens.

Cargo room behind the rear seats trails key rivals including the CR-V TrailSport (1,028 L) and RAV4 (1,070 L), although the 895 L that’s available is still plenty. The space also expands to 2,098 L with the 60/40 split-folding bench stowed, although there aren’t any levers in the back to do the job; instead, you’ll find yourself walking to either rear door to release the mechanisms.

Features 8 / 10

Unfortunately, the Rogue Rock Creek doesn’t get the 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s found in the pricier Platinum trim. It relies on an eight-inch unit instead, which also means the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections are wired rather than wireless — one of the ways this particular take on Nissan’s compact crossover feels a little outdated. But then it has fast-charging USB-C ports, plus a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio.

Other features include proximity door locks and push-button start, as well as a height-programmable power tailgate. The Rock Creek kit also comes with hill descent control, as well as a surround-view camera system with a trail mode, both of which will come in handy should you find yourself on a precarious cottage access road or something like it. (The proper all-terrain tires it rides on will help, too.)

Safety 8 / 10

The advanced safety and driver-assist suite is reasonable, although it too leaves the Rogue Rock Creek feeling a short step behind more modern rivals. Ultimately, it’s the so-called ProPilot Assist system that isn’t as effective as the semi-autonomous stuff offered by rivals like the RAV4. But there’s also blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, as well as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, among others.

User-Friendliness 8 / 10

From the plainly labelled controls to the infotainment interface, everything about the Rogue is approachable. Well, almost everything. While the switch to a shift-by-wire system is worth celebrating for the extra space it opens up under the centre console, the gear selector Nissan has chosen is befuddling — plus it feels flimsy enough to be broken off with little force applied.

Value 8 / 10

Yes, the RAV4 Woodland and CR-V TrailSport are powered by pricier hybrid systems than the turbo motor found here, but they aren’t enough to explain the enormous cost gap that favours the Rogue Rock Creek by a considerable margin. It rings in at $43,428 before tax but including freight ($2,030), while Toyota is charging at least $48,930 for its offering and Honda wants $49,300.

The Verdict

The popularity of somewhat adventurous small crossovers like the 2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek has soared since the pandemic, making this one just the latest in a long line of them. More than that, though, it feels like the right kind of package for the right kind of price. While it stops short of the more rugged Subaru Outback Wilderness, Nissan’s interpretation adds just enough off-road goodies to go at least a little farther off the beaten path.

It also happens to look pretty good, plus it has enough of the kind of amenities you’ll use everyday to justify its price tag, too. No, you probably won’t venture far into parts unknown behind the wheel of the Rogue Rock Creek. But if you’re shopping for a cool-looking crossover with at least a little credibility, this could be the ticket.