The Nissan Rogue continues to establish itself as one of the most competitive compact SUVs in the market, offering a blend of style, technology, comfort, and efficiency across its diverse lineup. Among the many features that contribute to the Rogue driving experience, the transmission plays a crucial role in delivering power to the wheels while optimizing fuel economy. For the latest model year, Nissan has maintained its commitment to providing a refined driving experience across all trim levels through its advanced transmission technology.

Standard Transmission Across All Trims

The Nissan Rogue lineup comes exclusively with the advanced Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) across all trim levels. This transmission delivers seamless power delivery while maximizing fuel efficiency. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios, the Xtronic CVT uses a belt and pulley system that can infinitely adjust to provide the optimal ratio for any driving condition.

The Rogue transmission works in harmony with its 2.5L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain combination delivers impressive fuel economy ratings of 8.4 L/100 km in city driving, 6.8 L/100 km on the highway, and 7.7 L/100 km combined.

Transmission Features Across Trim Levels

While the basic transmission type remains consistent across all trim levels, there are notable differences in transmission-related features and driving modes as you move up through the Rogue trim hierarchy:

S Trim

The entry-level S trim features the standard Xtronic CVT, which offers basic functionality. Drivers have access to an Eco Mode that adjusts throttle response and transmission behaviour to prioritize fuel efficiency. The S trim also includes Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline by momentarily maintaining brake pressure until the accelerator is applied.

SV Trim

The SV trim builds upon the S trim’s transmission capabilities by adding the Intelligent Engine Brake feature. This system utilizes the CVT to provide engine braking during cornering or deceleration, resulting in smoother deceleration and reduced brake wear. The SV trim also introduces a more sophisticated Drive Mode Selector with additional options beyond just Eco Mode.

SL Trim

Moving up to the SL trim, the Rogue transmission gains enhanced integration with the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. The transmission works in tandem with the AWD system to optimize power distribution based on road conditions. The SL trim also features an expanded Drive Mode Selector, which includes Sport, Standard, Eco, and Off-Road modes. Each mode alters the transmission’s shift patterns and response characteristics to suit different driving scenarios.

Platinum Trim

The top-tier Platinum trim offers the most refined transmission experience in the Rogue lineup. It includes all the features of the lower trims while adding enhanced programming for the CVT that provides more immediate response when needed. The Platinum also features a more advanced integration between the transmission and ProPILOT Assist system, allowing for smoother operation during adaptive cruise control situations.

Rock Creek Edition

The adventure-focused Rock Creek Edition features specially tuned transmission programming designed to enhance off-road capability. The CVT in this trim maintains optimal power delivery in challenging terrain, thanks to a unique shift logic that keeps the engine within its power band when navigating rough surfaces.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Integration

For all trim levels, when equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the Xtronic CVT works in harmony with this system to optimize power distribution. The system can distribute torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, with the transmission adjusting its behaviour accordingly. During normal driving conditions, power is sent primarily to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency. When a slip is detected or during aggressive acceleration, the system can instantly redirect up to 50% of available power to the rear wheels.

Transmission Maintenance

One advantage of the Xtronic CVT across all Rogue trim levels is its relatively low maintenance requirements. Nissan recommends CVT fluid inspections every 20,000 kilometers, with fluid changes typically recommended around 100,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions. The transmission is covered under the Nissan 5-year/100,000-kilometer powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind for owners.

Fuel Efficiency Benefits

The CVT technology in the Rogue contributes significantly to its impressive fuel economy ratings. By constantly adjusting to the optimal ratio, the transmission helps the engine operate in its most efficient range whenever possible. This results in the Rogue achieving competitive fuel economy figures that enhance its appeal as a daily driver.

Things You Might Not Know About the 2025 Nissan Rogue Transmission

• The Rogue Xtronic CVT features a unique “step-shift” programming that simulates traditional gear changes during heavy acceleration, addressing a common complaint about CVTs feeling “rubber-band-like”
• The transmission’s torque converter includes a high-performance damper system that reduces vibration and noise by up to 30% compared to previous generations
• In Sport mode, the transmission’s artificial shift points hold “gears” up to 500 RPM higher than standard mode for enhanced responsiveness
• The CVT in the Rogue includes an advanced thermal management system that helps it reach optimal operating temperature more quickly, improving efficiency in cold weather conditions
• The transmission control unit contains adaptive learning algorithms that adjust shift patterns based on individual driving habits over time, creating a personalized driving experience

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Nissan Rogue Transmission

Does the Nissan Rogue offer a manual transmission option?

• No, it is exclusively equipped with the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) across all trim levels, with no manual transmission option available.

How does the CVT in the Rogue differ from a traditional automatic transmission?

• Unlike traditional automatics with fixed gear ratios, it uses a belt and pulley system that can infinitely adjust to provide the optimal ratio for any driving condition, resulting in smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

Do different Rogue trim levels have different transmission tuning?

• Yes, while all trims use the same Xtronic CVT, higher trim levels like the Platinum and Rock Creek feature specialized transmission programming that enhances performance characteristics specific to their intended use cases.

How does the transmission interact with the All-Wheel Drive system?

• The Xtronic CVT operates in close coordination with the Intelligent AWD system, adjusting power delivery characteristics according to traction needs and wheel slip detection, with the ability to distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed.

What maintenance is required for the Rogue CVT?

• Nissan recommends fluid inspections every 20,000 kilometers and fluid changes typically around 100,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions. The transmission is covered under the Nissan 5-year/100,000-kilometer powertrain warranty.

Does the CVT negatively impact the Rogue towing capability?

• No, it can handle its maximum towing capacity of 612 kilograms (1,350 pounds) when properly equipped, with special programming that optimizes torque delivery during towing situations.

Can I switch between driving modes, and how do they affect the transmission?

• Yes, depending on trim level, the Rogue offers various drive modes that alter transmission behaviour. For example, Sport mode creates artificial shift points and more aggressive response, while Eco mode optimizes shift patterns for maximum efficiency.

Is the CVT in the Rogue more reliable than earlier Nissan CVTs?

• It incorporates numerous improvements over earlier generations, including enhanced cooling, updated internal components, and refined software that addresses the reliability concerns of previous CVT iterations.

How does the CVT contribute to fuel efficiency?

• It improves fuel efficiency by keeping the engine operating within its most efficient RPM range, regardless of vehicle speed, thereby eliminating the fuel economy penalties associated with traditional transmissions that shift between fixed gears.

Does the Rock Creek Edition have any special transmission features for off-road driving?

• Yes, this trim features specially calibrated CVT programming with unique shift logic, designed to maintain optimal power delivery when navigating rough terrain. This keeps the engine within its power band during challenging off-road situations.