Road Test: 2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek

The Nissan Rogue has been around for a number of years now and has remained a fairly popular model for the Japanese automaker. For 2026, the Rogue is offered in a special Rock Creek version, which features a few elements designed to help it stand out among its siblings.

Those include, among other things, 17-inch dark painted alloy wheels, a tubular roof rack, and TailorFit leatherette seats with contrast stitching and the Rock Creek emblem. The Rock Creek comes well equipped, and the only extra on our tester was a $250 charge for the Baja Storm exterior paint — a striking colour choice that really accentuates the black and red trim pieces. As tested, the Rogue Rock Creek rings in at $44,425.

Powertrain: The all-wheel-drive Rogue Rock Creek gets its power from the same engine found across the rest of the Rogue lineup. It’s a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, strong numbers that ensure the Rogue never really feels sluggish.

Fuel efficiency is also quite good, even if my real-world numbers were slightly higher than Nissan’s estimates. I averaged 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, compared to the claimed 8.0 L/100 km combined rating.

Exterior: In addition to the previously mentioned features, the Rogue Rock Creek trim stands out thanks to a redesigned front fascia with Lava Red accents, a unique gloss-black front grille with silver detailing, gloss-black sideview mirrors, and roof rack crossbars accented in Lava Red.

Rock Creek badging appears on the front doors as well as on the liftgate, reinforcing the trim’s more rugged positioning within the Rogue lineup.

Interior: The cabin is largely familiar Rogue territory, but with a few added touches, including Lava Red accent stitching and piano-black dashboard trim.

The Rock Creek also adds a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area for increased utility. Up front, the driver benefits from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a feature that’s becoming more common and one that makes very good use of modern display technology.

Overall comfort is strong, with decent legroom and headroom for rear occupants. HVAC and infotainment controls rely primarily on physical knobs and buttons, arranged in a clean, logical layout that’s easy to use while driving.

Infotainment: The NissanConnect system features an eight-inch touchscreen and includes satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, smartphone connectivity requires a wired connection in the Rock Creek trim.

That said, the system itself is straightforward, with clear menus and intuitive operation. While wireless phone integration would have been welcome, day-to-day usability is solid.

Drive: In Rock Creek trim, the HD Intelligent Around View Monitor adds an Off-Road View that can operate at speeds of up to 19 km/h. The standard all-wheel-drive system also includes hill descent control, useful when navigating steep or slippery terrain.

Despite its three-cylinder configuration, the Rogue always felt well equipped to handle the task at hand. Steering and suspension tuning are well judged, delivering a composed and confident ride. The drive-mode selector allows you to tailor the vehicle to road conditions, and with a major snowfall arriving during my test week, Snow mode proved especially useful.

Conclusion: Those looking to stand out in the crowded compact crossover segment may want to take a close look at the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek. The unique styling cues, particularly the Baja Storm paint, give this version noticeably more personality than other Rogue trims.

Overall, it delivers a composed and competent drive while adding useful features and off-road-inspired touches that should appeal to adventurous buyers who want something a little different for weekend escapes.

2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek AWD
Price as tested: $44,425
Freight: $2,030
Configuration: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine / Transmission: 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder / Xtronic CVT
Power / Torque: 201 horsepower / 225 pound-feet of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular unleaded (55 L)
Combined fuel economy (L/100 km): 8.0
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 9.1
Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4
Website: Nissan Canada

Fun Fact: The Rogue Rock Creek looks built for the wilderness, but its true natural habitat is a snow-covered driveway at 7 a.m., warming up while you scrape ice and rethink every winter decision you’ve ever made.