Nissan’s Rogue isn’t just one of the brand’s most practical offerings, the compact crossover also happens to be its best seller. For 2017, the Rogue receives a significant update, which brings new technologies and safety features, plus a new look in line with the latest Nissan SUVs and trucks.

While the Rogue maintains its familiar soft-edged shape, the 2017 model gains re-shaped quad-beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and a chunkier version of Nissan’s V-Motion grille. Chrome trim has been added to the lower side trim, while a new rear bumper and LED brake lights round out the changes. Murano-inspired wheels (17-inch steel on S, alloy on SV, and 19-inch with painted pockets on the SL) are also included as a part of the update. Nissan has also added a couple of colours to the Rogue’s pallet – Monarch Orange, Caspian Blue, and Palatial Ruby.

Inside, the Rogue receives a new steering wheel with a flat-bottom rim with available heating functionality, available driver memory, remote engine start, and a new shift boot. Nissan has also tinkered with the styling of the armrest, door trim, and dash trims. The new Platinum Reserve Interior Package, inspired by the upmarket Maxima, Murano, and Titan XD, adds quilted leather upholstery and matching accent interior trim that’s available in a unique Premium Tan hue.

As before, buyers will be able to purchase the Rogue in five or seven-passenger forms; this makes the Rogue somewhat unique. The only other similar-sized vehicles that offer a third row are the Mitsubishi Outlander, Dodge Journey, and Land Rover Discovery Sport. When equipped as a five-seater, the Rogue offers the Divide-N-Hide flexible cargo system with covered cargo compartments and adjustable seating configurations. So equipped, the Rogue can accommodate objects as long as eight feet in its cargo hold. This year, the Rogue also gains new hands-free functionality on models equipped with the power-operated tailgate.

All Rogues are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque; a CVT transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on all trims, and comes standard on the top-of-the-line SL Platinum trim. South of the border the Rogue is offered with a hybrid powertrain, but it isn’t expected to be offered here.

New for 2017, the Rogue also receives available emergency autonomous braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams to keep drivers and their passengers safe. While these features are limited to the top-level trim, lesser models are available with rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. SV trim levels with the tech package and the SL Platinum also include a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen display with navigation, a 360-degree parking camera, and Siri Eyes Free connectivity.