Is a car company trying too hard to attract younger buyers when it names its new compact crossover after an X-Men character? Well yes it would be, but that's not the case with the 2008 Nissan Rogue, which makes its debut at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. According to Nissan, the name Rogue was chosen to reflect "its independence-oriented positioning." Not sure what that means, but at least they didn't call it the Wolverine.

Another Nissan SUV
With four SUVs in its lineup already, Nissan doesn't exactly need another people mover. But unlike the Xterra, which is geared toward the occasionally clean, extreme-sports crowd, the Rogue is a more sophisticated compact crossover according to Bill Bosley, general manager of Nissan division. "The Rogue's utility is a little more stealthy. All the necessary compartments and storage spaces are there; they just don't scream 'utility' at you," says Bosley.

Seeing it for the first time, we thought the Rogue screamed Hyundai Santa Fe, as it looks nearly identical to its Korean competitor. Measuring 182.9 inches in overall length and riding on a 105.9-inch wheelbase, the Rogue is slightly smaller than the Santa Fe but bigger than the Honda CR-V. Built on the same "C" platform as Nissan's Sentra, the Rogue comes standard with front-wheel drive. Automatic all-wheel drive will be optional.

Economical performance
Two trim levels will be offered, but only one engine and transmission combination. Both the base Rogue S and upgraded Rogue SL get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with optional paddle shifters. Rated at 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, the Rogue's engine will give it more power than most of its four-cylinder competitors and nearly as much as the Santa Fe's V6.

Its fully independent suspension uses coil springs and struts up front, along with an antiroll bar. In back, Nissan used a multilink setup instead of struts to maximize cargo space in the interior. Antilock disc brakes are standard along with stability control, traction control and 16-inch steel wheels.

From basic to Bluetooth
Although the Rogue will start around $20,000 when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007, it will offer a long list of high-tech options for those who aren't afraid to edge closer to the $25K mark. Heated leather seats, keyless ignition and Bluetooth phone connectivity are all on the options list, along with a seven-speaker Bose audio system, multifunction trip computer and xenon headlights.

There's no third-row seat option, but if you need more room for cargo you can get a flat-folding front-passenger seat. There's also a pop-up cargo organizer in back with a washable tray underneath for storing stuff too dirty to put on the carpet. By moving the upscale stuff to the options list, Nissan was able to make side curtain airbags standard for both the front and backseats. The driver and front passenger also get dual-stage front and seat-mounted side airbags.

A crowded category
Nissan says it tried to "add a new dimension to the small crossover utility segment" by making the Rogue satisfy both the functional and emotional needs of buyers. Sounds like a line we've heard before, but with ample horsepower, slick styling and plenty of high-end options, the Rogue may deliver on the promise better than many of its competitors. If that's what Nissan meant by "independence-oriented positioning," the Rogue will do just fine.