The 2018 Nissan Rogue may not be very exciting, but it checks all the right boxes—and then some—for most family needs.
Pros Lots of standard safety tech Can drive itself, at least a little Great interior space utilization Rides well Optional hybrid
Cons Light on power Transmission drones on and on Hardly fun to drive Base model looks very basic Hybrid’s not that thrifty
The 2018 Nissan Rogue ranked #10 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Nissan Rogue has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 44 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Upscale interior Spacious, versatile cargo area Top-tier gas mileage Lots of advanced safety features, even in base model
Cons Underpowered engine Noisy transmission
For most uses — commuter, family and recreational — we'd recommend the SV trim with the optional Premium package. The latter adds useful features such as a surround-view camera system, navigation and a power liftgate. You also get some of the SL trim's more desirable items without the larger wheels that can detract from the ride quality.
PROS Front seats are comfortable on long drives Ride quality remains comfortable over varying terrain Tech options and features are user-friendly Cargo space is vast and versatile
CONS Outward visibility is poor Transmission responds slowly and with an annoying "surge" feeling Acceleration is weak and listless
Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear. Assembled at Alfa’s Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, the Stelvio is built on the same platform as the Giulia and will be offered in three trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has enough distinct features and tuning to be considered a separate model. While the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti both rely on a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, the high-performance Quadrifoglio utilizes the 505-hp 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Aluminum is used extensively in the construction of every Stelvio, including the front and rear subframes, the suspension components (control arms in front, multilink in the rear), the doors, and the fenders; the rear crossmember is partly made of composite plastics to pare more weight.
While the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers an enjoyable experience at all trim levels, the Ti outfitted with the Sport package represents the best of what this SUV has to offer. The Ti provides a more premium experience, adding more attractive interior materials and heating for the front seats and steering wheel. The Sport package completes the experience with supportive seats, great-looking 20-inch wheels, satisfying shift paddles, and your choice of red, black or yellow brake calipers.
PROS Among the more fun-to-drive compact luxury crossovers available Powerful and exciting engine Distinctive styling and wheels help it stand out in the crown
CONS Odd brake pedal feel makes it hard to modulate easily Low tow capacity versus segment Somewhat snug back seat
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ranked #7 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 15 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Superb handling Powerful engine
Cons High base price Some lower-quality materials Below-average cargo space
