The Nissan Rogue Trail Warrior substitutes snow/sand tracks for tires, satisfying the inner Doomsday Prepper in all of us.
Many of the new models hitting the stands at the New York International Auto Show focus on a need for speed; however, Nissan’s two new Rogue editions blaze a new trail while going to the dogs.
The Japanese maker rolled out its new Rogue Trail Warrior and Rogue Dogue projects, and while different in scope, both reflect the capability and flexibility of Nissan’s sport-ute.
The Trail Warrior is hard to miss since one might argue it’s a top choice for the Doomsday Prepper set. Clad in camouflage, the Rogue “rolls” on snow/and tracks instead of tires. The Dominator Tracks, from American Track Truck Inc., are 48 inches long, 30 inches high and 15 inches wide, and they replace the Rogue’s regular wheels and tires.
The suspension and wheel wells were modified to fit the track system, but otherwise all drivetrain components, including the 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder Rogue powerplant and Xtronic transmission, are standard factory issue.
The Rogue Trail Warrior features everything a true trail warrior might need — including a winch.
(Nissan filling the need for speed with new GT-R Track, 370Z models. Click Here for a look.)
The engine is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for climbing snow banks or sand dunes. Additionally, Rogue Trail Warrior adventure equipment list are a prepper’s delight: tinted headlights, custom fender flares, ARB Gear Basket, LED lights and a Warn 4K winch.
“This new Rogue Trail Warrior adds a new dimension to family adventures with its snow/sand tracks, gear basket, winch and camo paint,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “If you want to stand out from the crowd during a day on the slopes or the beach, this is the vehicle to take.”
If the Trail Warrior shows you what you can do, Nissan’s Rogue Dogue reveals what you should do: make sure your dog travels comfortably and safely. The automaker took some of top items from the wish lists, such as clip-in harnesses and nonspill water dispensers, of dog owners and then added a few ideas of its own creating the Rogue Dogue project.
Nissan's Rogue Rogue project shows off the maker's ability to make travel safe and convenient for dogs.
“For all of the dog lovers at Nissan, the Rogue Dogue is so much fun – the equivalent, I guess you could say, of riding with your head out the window if you were a dog,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America Inc.
(Click Here for details about Nissan declining to talk with the UAW about Mississippi plant.)
“Of course, we also take pets’ safety very seriously, which is why the Rogue Dogue includes secure leash fastening attachments in the second row and rear cargo area – along with numerous other features designed to make family travel with dogs more enjoyable for everyone.”
The list of Rogue Dogue modifications installed in the project vehicle includes:
- Secured, removable custom dog bed in the rear cargo area
- Built-in (fold-down) non-spill water and dog food dispensers
- Slide-away dog ramp for easy access to rear compartment for small or elderly dogs
- 360-degree (hoop and hose) dog shower with 10-gallon pressurized water reserve
- Integrated dog drying system with compressed heated air dryer and outside hose attachment
- Heated air vents for rear cargo bed area
- Easy-to-clean custom interior materials
Nissan's Rogue Rogue provides man's best friend with comfort and safety while traveling.
- Modified second-row/cargo area pass-through passageway
- Removable pet partition with Rogue Dogue logo between the second-row and cargo area
- Second-row dog hammock (clips around front and rear headrests)
- Raised rear floor in rear compartment housing utility drawer and dog ramp; drawer faces covered in custom easy-clean upholstery
- Side wall mounted poop bag dispenser
- Rear facing passive side view mirror cameras (video sent to hard drive) to capture dog’s road trip experiences – head out the window, interaction between dog and other drivers – for later viewing
- Dog first aid kit
- Harness clips mounted in rear compartment
- Rogue Dogue logo key fob
“Everything that we built into the Rogue Dogue project is actually very possible to add to a production Rogue, though you do compromise the available rear cargo area slightly for the ramp, storage compartments and the food and water dispensers,” said Dennis McCarthy, owner, Vehicle Effects, Sun Valley, California. “But really, next to your family, your dog is your most important cargo, so why not?”
Bunce added: “More than 75% of dog owners in the survey said that having optional features specifically designed for their dog’s safety and comfort would impact their decision on which vehicle to purchase. So potentially, every dog might have its day – and their custom-equipped Nissan Rogue, too.”
(To see more about Nissan going “Rogue” with a Star Wars-themed SUV, Click Here.)
The Rogue Dogue is based on a 2017 Rogue SL with the Platinum Reserve Interior Package, featuring premium tan leather-appointed seats with special quilted leather inserts.