DETROIT, Michigan – Nissan is proud to announce that at a ceremony here today it received its 19th trophy from Wards, which has been recognizing the pinnacle of automotive engines annually since 1995. This year, the U.S.-market Nissan Rogue's 1.5-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine was recognized in Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list.
For 2022, Wards’ panel of judges tested a group of 29 all-new or vastly improved engines by putting them through the paces of daily life, including commuting, road trips and errands. Evaluation criteria included horsepower, torque, noise, fuel economy, comparative specifications and applications of new technology.
The judges had high praise for the Rogue’s VC-Turbo engine. "This engine inspires words that never have been uttered in the same sentence as ‘3-cyl. engine’: very smooth, exceptionally quiet during idle, pleasant to drive in traffic or on the highway,” said judge Drew Winter.
"It's a broken record, but what the VC-Turbo is doing inside that engine is remarkable and innovative," added judge Bob Gritzinger. "Applying the same technology to a small-displacement 3-cyl. takes it to another audience and customer in the best-selling Rogue."
Accepting the award on behalf on Nissan, Yorihisa Tsuchiya, Chief Powertrain Engineer said, “This engine is the culmination of decades of work by so many at Nissan, and I am very proud to receive this award from Wards on their behalf. We hope the VC-Turbo engine will make the drive even better for our customers in many markets around the world.”
The VC-Turbo engine also powers the X-Trail in China, where it won the China Heart Top 10 Best Engines in 2021 award.
Nissan's class-exclusive VC-Turbo engine can seamlessly vary its compression ratio to optimize power output or for greater efficiency, as needed by the driving scenario. A new generation XTRONIC transmission works in tandem with the engine to help deliver improved acceleration while reducing fuel consumption. Standard on all grades of the Rogue — the VC-Turbo engine delivers not only enhanced power but also best-in-class gas engine fuel economy1 and torque2.
A detailed video on Nissan’s VC-Turbo’s technology can be viewed on Nissan's YouTube channel.
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1. AutoPacific segmentation (excluding hybrids and electric vehicles). 2022 EPA fuel economy estimates from 30 city/37 highway to 33 combined for the 2022 Nissan Rogue.
2. AutoPacific segmentation. Comparison based on 2022 Nissan Rogue S versus latest in-market competitors in mid-size XSUV segment (excluding hybrids and electric vehicles). Base models compared.