The Nissan Rogue is known for its smooth ride, modern style, and refreshingly upscale interior. Still, few drivers realize that the compact crossover also stands out in terms of efficiency. While Rogue’s sole 1.5L I-3 engine might initially seem a bit unassuming, Nissan has leveraged a long list of cutting-edge technology to give the compact SUV the best fuel economy in its class. It all starts with a turbocharger that maximizes efficiency via forced induction, but that’s just a small part of the equation. Like many of the market’s most economical models, the Rogue employs a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to get the most out of every gallon. Nissan has also upped the ante with a proprietary X-Tronic design, giving the SUV a clear advantage over its rivals.
The transmission might play a significant role in helping the Rogue achieve impressive efficiency, but the crossover’s VC-Turbo engine seals the deal. Marketed as the world’s first variable compression ratio engine, the VC-Turbo mill boasts a satisfying balance of power and efficiency that goes a long way towards upping the Rogue’s overall value. Combining these two technologies, the 2025 Rogue is the most efficient non-hybrid model in the compact segment. It even gives some of its electric-assisted competitors, like the Kia Sorento and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring, a run for their money. Let’s dive into some of the fuel-saving tech that allows the SUV to earn an EPA-estimated 33 MPG combined and learn why every eco- or budget-conscious driver should seek out a 2025 Nissan Rogue for sale.
X-Tronic CVT
While the CVT concept dates back to mechanical mastermind Leonardo da Vinci, the transmission didn’t become mainstream until the late 1980s. For those unfamiliar with the newfangled transmission technology, a CVT replaces the fixed gears found on a traditional automatic transmission with a set of pulleys connected by a chain or belt that can constantly adjust their diameter. Instead of limiting drivers to five, six, or eight speeds, a CVT technically offers an infinite number of gear ratios, meaning the engine can always operate at the most efficient speed. In addition to improving efficiency and performance, a CVT also results in a smooth, seamless ride free from the abrupt gear changes that can come with a normal automatic transmission.
Nissan was one of the first brands to improve on the age-old design in the early 2000s when it launched the first X-Tronic CVT on the 2003 Murano. While Nissan incorporated several innovative upgrades into its homegrown CVT, the transmission’s D-Step Logic Control feature makes all the difference in fuel economy and performance. This uses a suite of advanced automotive software to continuously monitor the vehicle’s speed, accelerator pedal position, and other inputs to select the right gear for every scenario. The result is a transmission that provides distinct virtual gears, also known as “steps,” which means that drivers will experience the sort of crisp shift feel they’ve become accustomed to on a typical automatic while still enjoying all the efficiency-enhancing benefits of a CVT.
The X-Tronic CVT also reduces friction thanks to a key design tweak that increases the space between the transmission oil and pulleys. This relative lack of friction not only improves the Rogue’s fuel economy, but it also reduces the sort of wear and tear that can result in a costly repair. In the sports world, they often say that the best ability is availability. The X-Tronic CVT embraces this ethos with a sophisticated design that’ll keep your SUV on the road and out of the repair shop.
The X-Tronic design also addresses one of the most common complaints about the CVT. While it might be a paragon of efficiency, the typical CVT can create a bit of a disconnect between the driver and the vehicle due to the lag between the accelerator and engine. Known as “rubber banding,” this delay can easily diminish the driving experience. The X-Tronic CVT engineers around this issue to deliver a consistent, responsive experience when you’re behind the wheel. Put it all together, and you have a CVT that is up to eight percent more efficient than Nissan’s previous design, which should lift the spirits of any drivers looking to reduce their weekly trips to the gas station.
VC-Turbo
If the Rogue’s X-Tronic CVT is an innovation, the SUV’s VC-Turbo engine is a revelation. This groundbreaking engine is the industry’s first production-level variable compression ratio engine, offering some enticing benefits in terms of fuel economy.
Let’s do a little Internal Combustion 101 before we launch into the unique advantages of this advanced engine. The compression ratio describes the cylinder’s volume with the piston at its lowest point compared to the piston at its highest point. An engine with a high compression ratio delivers better fuel economy and power, while a low compression ratio prioritizes reduced emissions, easier starting, and minimizing wear and tear on vital components.
The VC-Turbo offers drivers the best of both worlds thanks to its variable compression ratio. The engine employs a multi-link setup instead of the standard connecting rods, meaning that the piston’s reach can be adjusted as needed. The multi-link system is powered by an electric motor that can adjust the vertical position of the piston stroke to alter the compression ratio. If you’re in the mood for a little extra performance, simply step on the gas, and the VC-Turbo can adjust the compression ratio down to 8:1. When more power isn’t required, the engine reverts to a higher 14:1 compression ratio that sees the fuel-sipping SUV achieve up to 37 MPG on the highway. The compression ratio can’t be manually adjusted, but the engine’s intelligent control system ensures you always get the most out of the Nissan Rogue.
The variable compression ratio might be the engine’s most alluring feature, but it’s just one part of the story. As the name implies, the engine also features a turbocharger that provides a wide range of performance and efficiency benefits. Turbocharged engines recycle a vehicle’s exhaust gases to compress intake air as it’s funneled into the motor. This pre-compressed air means the engine can produce more power with a smaller displacement, enabling a small engine to make big power when it’s needed while being efficient on fuel when power isn’t needed. The VC-Turbo utilizes a high-efficiency, wide-range turbocharger and electric waste gate to dole out all the boost pressure you need without succumbing to the same sort of turbo lag that plagues other designs. The net result is a responsive engine that immediately responds to accelerator inputs to deliver a peppy ride that’ll have you looking forward to every journey. The VC-Turbo has earned plenty of praise since it first hit the market under the hood of the 2019 Nissan Altima, and has continued to rack up the awards with a raft of hardware that includes a Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems trophy.
Go Further in the Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue offers a pretty compelling package when you factor in its efficiency, tech-forward interior, and styling, and the critics have certainly taken note. The 2025 model has already been rated MotorTrend’s Best Compact SUV and topped the podium in Cars.com’s Compact SUV Challenge for the third consecutive year. Between the X-Tronic CVT and VC-Turbo engine, the Rogue simply can’t be beat compared to other non-hybrid compact crossovers. The Rogue leaves its competitors in the dust with a 33 MPG combined rating that tops lesser SUVs like the Honda CR-V (30 MPG), the Hyundai Tucson (28 MPG), and the Kia Sportage (28 MPG). Nissan has never settled for the status quo, as proved by the brand’s ongoing commitment to efficiency. The X-Tronic CVT represents an improvement over the typical CVT design, and the VC-Turbo engine doubles down on everything there is to love about turbocharger technology while introducing a variable compression ratio to the mix. It’s another strong showing for Nissan that proves there’s a real advantage to going rogue.
