Nissan’s Rogue One Star Wars Edition will take you to a galaxy far, far away

By Stephen Edelstein Published November 17, 2016

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.

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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.

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

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Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
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Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

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“We are no longer planning to sell the range extender for Cybertruck," Tesla said in a message to customers on Wednesday, adding, "As a result, we will be refunding your deposit in full.”

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