Nissan’s bestselling vehicle, the Rogue, received a top-to-bottom makeover for 2021. But there’s a major under-the-hood update for 2022.

The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is out and has been replaced by a standard 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

Nissan has paired it with a new continuously variable automatic transmission. It features a wider gear-ratio spread — increased by 17 percent to 8.2; reduced friction, down 32 percent; and a twin oil pump setup engineered to improve fuel economy and, during aggressive driving, improve shift responsiveness.

The engine is significantly smaller than its predecessor, but it delivers 201 hp and 225 pound-feet of torque, making the 2022 edition the most powerful Rogue ever.

Combined fuel economy is an estimated 33 mpg — up 3 mpg from the 2021 model, and more than some of the Rogue’s main rivals, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.

We’ve collected some early reviews.

“”he wider torque band helps the 2022 Nissan Rogue in everyday driving and is more than adequate for running errands and commuting. But this is still a small-displacement, three-cylinder engine, and it can feel overwhelmed when you ask too much of it. It can take some time to get up to speed, and the engine sounds a bit angry getting there. But it’s in keeping with the segment and is fine for normal driving, exhibiting no buzz or whine when you aren’t flogging it.

“Shifts are also smoothest when driven in a civilized manner. And yes, there is more power to pass, but again, this is still a small-engine compact SUV, so allow a little patience and runway to complete your overtake.

“Early criticism of the 2.0-liter VC Turbo said the transmission limited the engine’s performance, but Nissan engineers now think they have addressed the issues. The engine still feels like it has more to give than the CVT allows, but both feel like they are more in sync than before. Nissan may be trying to give us the wrong white wine with fish, but at least it isn’t pouring us a glass of red anymore. It’s worth noting that the steering and braking setups are unchanged from the 2021 model.”

— Alisa Priddle, Motor Trend

“”ompared with the old 2.5-liter, the VC-Turbo makes the Rogue feel considerably peppier underfoot. Despite the 2021 Rogue’s class-competitive 8.2-second sprint to 60 mph, the previous powertrain felt relaxed to the point of lethargy, particularly during passing maneuvers. We’ll compare subjective opinion to objective results once we get one to the track, but we expect the new Rogue to knock about a half-second off the zero-to-60-mph time. Numbers aside, there’s now a reassuring wave of torque that peaks at 2800 rpm and continues up to 4000 rpm, fattening up the midrange response. The new Rogue delivers its power more quickly, if not always more linearly. Mashing the throttle reveals an initial hesitancy before a sudden surge of thrust; with variable compression and a continuously variable transmission, there are a lot of variables to align before your throttle input translates to action. Prolonged time with the accelerator near the floor elicits a dull roar underhood, but otherwise, the cabin is a hushed and spacious place.”

— Eric Stafford, Car and Driver

“”ssentially a derivative of Nissan and Infiniti’s lovely 2.0-liter variable-compression four-cylinder with one bore lopped off, this dynamo is loaded with fuel-saving technology, from its stepless variable-displacement oil pump and new high-pressure fuel-injection system to its camshafts that run on roller bearings and textured valve lifters that hold more lubricant to reduce friction. And yes, this odd-cylinder marvel can also vary its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, just like its big brother, running more boost and a lower squeeze when power is needed and tightening things up to increase efficiency while cruising.

“Off the line, this new three-cylinder is as eager as a Labrador puppy, almost feeling jumpy as you roll on the accelerator. This verve addresses a complaint with the outgoing powertrain, mostly that it was a bit on the soft side. The 2022 Rogue hits hard at lower speeds, though this fervor fades noticeably anywhere above 3,500 rpm. Still, the acceleration is comparable to any other SUV in its class, and around town, from stoplight to stoplight, this Nissan might outrun its rivals.”

— Craig Cole, Roadshow by CNET

“”side from a slight laziness when starting from a standstill, we noticed a nice vigor when the throttle is applied. And this is true at different speeds, whether it’s for a 20-50 km/h sprint, or for the necessary leap that passing at 60 or 70 km/h requires.

“And on the highway? Well, since I’m not a sadomasochist, I preferred to stay the heck away from the 401 in Toronto, which is to be avoided at rush hour. Appraising its performance in that environment will be for another day.

“As for the CVT’s work, the simulated gears make it less and less unpleasant. And you can still manage it with the paddles on the steering wheel. As a bonus, the sound is not bad.

“So, this first contact was a pretty positive one; the new engine seems very promising.”

— Daniel Rufiange, auto123.com