When Disney announced the name of its latest Star Wars prequel, you can bet the marketing people at Nissan were happy. Because if you’re a car company that sells an SUV called the Rogue, a movie called Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is just too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Nissan has already launched Star Wars-themed commercials featuring the Rogue, and at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, it launched a special edition of the SUV tied in with the new movie as well. The 2017 Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition doesn’t have a hyperdrive or photon torpedoes, although it was escorted onto the L.A. show floor by stormtroopers.
Nissan claims this special-edition Rogue is the first production vehicle ever to incorporate Star Wars branding (although not the first time a carmaker has done a Star Wars promotion), which isn’t surprising, as it’s hard to imagine Darth Vader driving around in an SUV. The special edition is based on the Rogue SV trim level, with the Sun and Sound Touring Package (it includes a Bose audio system and panoramic moonroof). The Star Wars elements mostly come in the form of badges and logos.
On the outside, the Rogue gets some blacked-out trim, “Rebel Alliance” and “Galactic Empire” decals, and Rogue One badging referencing the latest movie on the front doors. The door kick plates have an illuminated Star Wars logo, while the interior features still more “Rebel Alliance” and “Galactic Empire” badging, plus ambient lighting. Each car also comes with a full-size replica Death Trooper helmet, which you probably shouldn’t wear while driving.
Like all Rogue models, the Star Wars edition uses a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and continuously-variable transmission (CVT), with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The engine produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to speed, the Rogue is no Millennium Falcon, although it’s probably a bit more comfortable to ride in. Nissan is adding a Rogue Hybrid model for 2017, but the Star Wars edition is only available in non-hybrid form.
The Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition package retails for $1,990. Only 5,400 copies will be made, with 5,000 going to the U.S., and 400 going to Canada. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters December 16.
