If Nissan's all-new Rogue compact CUV were a shoe, it would one of those high-tech trail runners -- half sneaker, half hiking boot, with styling and functionality for the environs where it'll most likely be found, the city streets of America.

Based on the last year's all-new Sentra sedan, the Rogue is one of the smallest entrants in our competition this year -- giving up over 200 horsepower, over 2000 pounds in curb weight, and a whopping a 7000 pounds of towing capacity to the behemoth of the bunch, the Toyota Land Cruiser. Of course, that's not a fair comparison: If you want to tackle Mt. Everest, you take the 'cruiser, the hard-core expedition boot in our collection.

With a front-drive-biased, all-wheel-drive system and gas-sipping, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Rogue clearly isn't born for running the Rubicon, but that doesn't mean it falls apart when the pavement ends. Its light curb weight, short wheelbase, and reasonable ground clearance indicate it had no trouble scrambling around our off road course.

The Rogue's running-shoe character emerged when we hit real roads. Its taut chassis and quick turn-in, combined with features like a surprisingly fun, paddle-shiftable CVT transmission, quickly made it a top pick among the editors for on-road driving.

Around town, the Rogue scored high marks for its smooth, styling and thoughtful range of standard and optional equipment, including a bangin' Rockford Fosgate stereo system and a pop-up grocery-bag manager in the rear.

So does the 2008 Nissan Rogue have the superiority, significance, and value to win our Sport/Utility of the Year award? That's a tough call. As its name implies, the Rogue certainly stood out in our field this year, but that isn't necessarily enough. To win the coveted calipers, a vehicle also must conqueror its segment, and the entry-level SUV market in which the Rogue competes in is one of the toughest. Sure, the Rogue can run with the best of them, but you'll have to wait and see if it can beat them.

VIDEO: THE 2008 NISSAN ROGUE FROM THE SUOTY
PHOTOS: EXCLUSIVE 2008 NISSAN ROGUE PHOTO GALLERY