Within a few days of each other, I sent my oldest daughter off to college, and my youngest drove herself off to high school. My days as a mobile locker room or school bus were mainly over, and I no longer needed a three-row SUV. The idea of switching to something smaller felt bittersweet initially, but then I thought about the perks: less bulk to navigate in parking lots, better fuel efficiency, and a fresh start with new technology.
At first, I was a little apprehensive about losing that third row, but the 2024 Rogue offers a surprising amount of space. The cargo area is more than enough for the things I need these days—groceries, gym bags, and the occasional load of stuff for college move-ins or family trips. The seats are comfortable, and the back row still offers enough legroom for my growing teens when they’re with me.
One of the best parts about downsizing your vehicle is upsizing your gas mileage. The Pathfinder gets an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city, and I was always thrilled when I averaged around 19 MPG in mine. While that seemed great then, the 2024 Rogue has taken fuel efficiency to a whole new level. With an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in the city, I’ve been consistently averaging about 27 MPG, which has been a game-changer. Even though the Rogue has a smaller gas tank, I’m able to go much farther between fill-ups.
The Rogue’s technology upgrades were also a major selling point. From the intuitive infotainment system to the advanced safety features like ProPILOT Assist and lane-keeping technology. After driving all of the newer models at Willis, I found it fun to have these technology upgrades in my own vehicle. I immediately felt the difference compared to my older Pathfinder, and everything just works so smoothly and feels more modern.
Downsizing from the Pathfinder to the Rogue marked a big change, but I’m excited for the adventures to come with the Rogue. It’s proof that even though the kids may not need me to drive them as much anymore, I can still have a vehicle that fits my life, whatever stage it’s in.
