SAFETY

The Rogue received the top score of Good in front, side and rear crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In past years, these scores


when coupled with the Rogue's standard stability control


would have earned it Top Safety Pick status from IIHS. This year, IIHS added a roof-strength test to its Top Safety Pick criteria. In this test, the Rogue scored the second-place Acceptable. A rating of Good is needed for Top Safety Pick status.

The happy news for parents is that the Rogue easily fits child-safety seats. Well, it does as long as there are only two of them. Three just don't fit. The second row's bench seat is flat, and the seatbacks recline so you can find a good fit with a car seat. The lower Latch anchors were easy to work with. I was surprised that I could fit a rear-facing infant-safety seat behind the driver's seat, but do note that the driver's seat was set for my 5-foot-5-inch frame. With the infant seat behind me, I couldn't scoot my seat back any farther, so plan accordingly.

The Rogue has standard front-wheel drive, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control and six airbags, including side-impact airbags in the front row and side curtains in both rows. All-wheel drive is optional.

    See also:

    Precautions when starting and driving
    WARNING ● Do not leave children or adults who would normally require the assistance of others alone in your vehicle. Pets should also not be left alone. They could accidentally injure thems ...

    Doors
    - Always have the doors locked while driving. Along with the use of seat belts, this provides greater safety in the event of an accident by helping to prevent persons from being thrown ...

    Draining of coolant water
    If the vehicle is to be left outside without antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see Changing engine coolant in the ...