2013 Nissan Rogue

The 2013 Nissan Rogue might be the last year of the first generation, but it remains a compelling choice if you value an enjoyable drive and high-quality interior over outright practicality. Others, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, offer greater utility, but the Rogue's interior is among the best, with fine materials and fit and finish. The front seats are particularly comfortable, and the SV trim's driver's seat comes with six-way power adjustment. All Rogues feature a 170-hp 2.5-liter gasoline engine, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission driving either the front or all four wheels.

The steering is nicely weighted and precise, and the suspension delivers capable handling and agility that makes it feel more like a compact car than a compact crossover. If there's a negative, it's that the CVT creates a lot of engine noise. The S is the base trim, and a Special Edition package adds desirable equipment including alloy wheels, a nicer sound system, and a rearview camera. The SV trim has all that and more. The SL package allows for a Rogue that's fully loaded, with Bose® audio, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a useful 360-degree parking camera.