Nissan has launched the second-generation of the Rogue for the 2014 model-year. 

First introduced in 2008, the compact SUV is now being built at the automaker's Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant. It is also the first vehicle to utilize the new jointly developed Nissan/Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform architecture. The move to Smyrna is part of the automaker's strategy to build 85 percent of its products sold in the U.S. in North America. 

There have been four model launches at Smyrna in the past 18 months: the 2013 Infiniti QX60, 2013 Nissan Altima, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2013 Nissan LEAF, and the 2014 Nissan Rogue. This makes a total of six core models now produced at Smyrna, including the Nissan Maxima. 

"The crossover segment has grown 60 percent since the 2009 model-year, and is now a 1.8-million vehicle-per-year segment," said Scott Shirley, director and chief marketing manager of Nissan. He also noted that this segment is projected to increase 6.5 percent in the next year. 

The Nissan Rogue is the No. 2 selling vehicle in the automaker's lineup, behind the Nissan Altima, and sales for the crossover have nearly doubled from the 2008 model-year to 144,921 units sold through September 2013, with 2013 sales up 13.6 percent to date. 

The exterior of the new model has a clean, straightforward design, bigger and better proportions, and a more wheel-oriented flow, according to the automaker.

The wheelbase was increased 0.6 inches over the previous model, overall height increased by 1.2 inches, and the front overhang was reduced by 1.5 inches. Additionally, the rear doors now offer a wider opening (77 degrees) than the previous model.

Three models will be available, including the Rogue S (the base model), the Rogue SV, and the Rogue SL. There will be five available packages — the Family Package (S), Family Package (SV), Moonroof Package (SV), Premium Package (SV), and Premium Package (SL). 

New for 2014 is an optional third-row for greater (seven passenger) seating capacity, a premium interior with "zero gravity" seats, and a class-exclusive "Divide-'N-Hide" cargo system. 

The new cargo system has 18 possible configurations, and helps to keep wet and dirty items separate from clean and dry items. 

Standard safety features now includes Active Trace Control, which can automatically engage the inner/outer brakes, optimizing the vehicle's line through turns, active understeer control, and corner brake assist. 

NissanConnect is also being introduced on the 2014 Nissan Rogue. Two display options are available: a 5-inch color display or 7-inch color touchscreen display. This technology encourages hands-free operation features app integration and text-to-speech technology, and is cloud-connected. According to Nissan, 1.5 million Nissan vehicles will have this technology by 2015, and NissanConnect will be available across all models by 2017. 

The all-new Rogue Select went on sale in January 2014, and will feature simplified content and model availability with a base MSRP under $20,000.