Nissan once built a villain for dogs – Jalopnik

In 2017, Nissan unveiled a one-off project SUV called The Rogue Dogue at the New York International Auto Show (which had better cars in the Tuner-Chiller than the car manufacturers up in 2025). In contrast to its other draft vehicles aimed at performance or technology, it was made entirely for pets. Nissan had investigated 400 dog owners in the US and discovered that 83% thought it was just as important that their pets were safe and comfortable in a car like human passengers.

Based on that feedback, Nissan collaborated with Dennis McCarthy, the “Fast & Furious” film series, car coordinator, to transform a rogue SL into a dog -friendly prototype. The changes of the Rogue Dogue changed the rear load space of the SUV into a mobile penthouse for pets. The interior was equipped with sustainable, easy -to -clean materials and contained a range of adapted functions. Safety was also tackled with clip-in harness confirmations in both the cargo space and the second row.

What the Rogue Dogue stood out was how many practical, dog -oriented functions it integrated into a standard rogue SUV. For owners with senior dogs or pets that struggled with jumping, the slide slope became one of the most attractive elements. Once inside, dogs could rest on a secure bed that was designed for comfort and stability. Nissan also installed a seat cover in hammock style for the second row, which gave larger dogs more space and kept her and dirty.

Hydration and nutrition were also considered. The folding non-voltage food and water bowls held meals organized during long journeys. The rear compartment included a storage drawer for treats, toys or belts, together with a first aid kit and a side mounted pocket pocket disease. Heated air openings ensured that dogs in the back remained comfortable, while the removable adapted partition kept them safely in place if the vehicle suddenly stopped.

Perhaps the most surprising function was the built-in 360-degree shower and dryer system. With the help of a water tank of 10 gallon and a hoop -shaped shower fault, owners can rinse their pets after walks or beach outings and then use the heated fan to dry them before they re -enter. Added cameras gave drivers a way to record the antics of their pets for later view. All in all, these thoughtful details showed how the rogue dogue was a well -planned design that was aimed at the safer, cleaner and more pleasant making pets. If nothing else, they ensure that your experience does not make this list of the worst stories while traveling with a pet.

Despite the buzz who generated it, Nissan always positioned the rogue dogue as a one -off prototype instead of a production -ready model. Resting a rogue with slopes, storage drawers, a shower system and dispensers inevitably reduced the available loading space, reducing the usability for everyday buyers. The extra weight also influenced the performance. Reviewers of the follow-up Rogue Dogue 2 in 2018 noted that the changes felt the SUV less refined compared to a standard villain, where the 2.5-liter engine struggles under the added equipment.

Nevertheless, surveys showed that there was a strong interest. More than 75% of dog owners said that with pets targeted functions would influence their purchase decision. Nissan hinted that many of the adjustments were technically possible to add to production models, although compromises in space would continue to exist. Nevertheless, the company made it clear that there were no immediate plans to commercialize or sell the Rogue Dogue as a package.

Instead, the project served as a demonstration of how car manufacturers could think beyond human passengers and designs with pets in mind. It also built positive attention to the rogue during a period in which it was the best -selling model of Nissan in the US, it is still very popular, where last year’s model is described as the most crossover crossover that is ever crossover. Although no production logue has ever hit dealers, the concept helped to raise the conversation about pet -friendly cars and many dog ​​owners who wanted such functions were widely available.