Riding high on a three-year-long run that has left buyers enthralled with its capability and balanced body lines, Nissan anticipates that its redesigned Rogue will soon become its top-selling vehicle. Last month we gained access to the overhauled Pathfinder, Armada, and Titan half-ton pickup out in California, and the refreshed Rogue is here to round out the team.

By approaching styling, tech, safety, and powertrain upgrades all at the same time, Nissan has taken an already capable small SUV and improved it by tossing battery power at it. This will be the first-ever Rogue Hybrid to hit the market, and with projected fuel economy estimates hitting 35 miles per gallon on the highway for front-wheel drive models, things are looking promising already.

“There are so many enhancements to Rogue for 2017, with every one of them designed to enhance its appeal with the fastest growing segment of buyers in the industry,” says Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America. “The crowning achievement is the addition of the new Rogue Hybrid, which increases fuel efficiency without compromising passenger roominess or cargo utility.”

The new gasoline-electric hybrid will feature a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that utilizes Nissan’s advanced Intelligent Dual Clutch system and a compact Lithium-ion battery paired to an electric motor. Both hybrid and naturally aspirated engines will come matched with an Xtronic transmission with standard Sport Mode and Eco switches, and non-hybrid fuel efficiency numbers are projected to reach 29 miles per gallon combined for front-wheel drive models while AWD models are estimated to hit 28. Tech goods like Active Trace Control, Active Engine Braking, and Active Ride Control all make their mark too, along with four-wheel independent suspension and Hill Start Assist among other options.

Fortunately, the 2017 Rogue will also continue to offer an optional three-row/seven-passenger setup as well, which carries with it an EZ Flex Seating System that is arguably one of the best in the biz. Couple that with a unique Divide-N-Hide Cargo System (which unfortunately is not available in the Rogue Hybrid), 77-degree opening rear doors for easier entry and exit for rear passengers, and a new motion-activated liftgate, and the Rogue seems more appealing than ever.

Other interior enhancements include a fresh, D-shaped steering wheel and a leather-booted sport-mode shifter, available heating for said steering wheel, memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirror, and a remote engine starter. Other enhanced design features include new door and instrument panel touches, an overhauled shifter design, a revised center console and lid, and new seat fabrics that offer a more premium look and feel. Platinum Reserve Interior Packages on Rogue SL models will come embellished with two-tone premium tan leather seats with quilted cow hide inserts and contrasting stitching.

The front bucket seats are also still Zero Gravity in nature, and as the driver’s seat is still six-way adjustable, the available Quick Comfort heated front seats on SV and SL models are what have our attention: They supposedly begin warming body parts most sensitive to heat. Other interior features worth noting include standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a 5.0-inch center meter color display, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and a backup camera, while available options include a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system and a nine-speaker Bose audio ensemble. Remote start makes its debut on the 2017 model too, as do interior color combos like Charcoal and Almond, along with a Premium Tan package for Platinum Reserve interior addicts.

On the outside, the new Rogue has quite a few updated styling switches like that new front fascia, with its integrated fog lamps, jutting bumper, Nissan signature “V-Motion” grille, overhauled headlights, and new LED daytime running lights. Out back, a new bumper and refreshed rear tail lamps mirroring the front fascia’s LED boomerang lighting draw the eye, while chrome-trimmed side door moldings round out the sides. Larger, 19-inch alloy wheels come as an option on SL models, while body-color heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, a rear spoiler, privacy glass, and roof rails wrap things up. Nine exterior colors can be had, including Midnight Jade, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Pearl White, Glacier White and new Monarch Orange, Caspian Blue, and Palatial Ruby.

Buyers can add NissanConnect to fully utilize the 7-inch color touchscreen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, all of which come standard on all Rogue SL models. Shoppers can also opt for the available Siri Eyes Free upgrade, as well as Nissan’s stellar Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD).

As for the Nissan Safety Shield goods, you can expect to see radar-based Blind Spot Warnings and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts, which are now available on SV models in addition to SL line. It also will be made available for the first time with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems, with Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection making their big debuts on the small SUV. Both will be additional options on the Rogue SL as part of the new Platinum Package.

For a finishing touch, Nissan has decided to revise its available optional equipment packages for 2017 with three fresh choices — Sun and Sound Touring, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve. In addition to these specialized upgrades, other packages include the Family Package on S and SV models, an Appearance Package for the S line, and a Premium Package for SV and SL variants.

As for the new Rogue Hybrid, as of now just two options are available – a SV Hybrid Premium Package and an SL Hybrid Premium Package. Look for more details on these, and other Nissan model reveals in the near future, as we explore what Nissan has to offer at the 2016 Miami Auto Show.

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