Nissan's seven-seater Rogue crossover has a great all-wheel drive system. It can't, say, climb a 45-degree snow-packed slope at speeds of 60 miles per hour. The Rogue Warrior can, however.
That's because it's been fitted with the Dominator track system from American Track Truck. Ignoring the 23 inches of ground clearance and treads that would make General Patton green with envy, Nissan brags the Rogue Warrior is otherwise stock. I don't want to say that's a leap, but that's like saying the Oscar-Meier Wiener mobile is a stock Ram 1500 pickup, aside from the wiener.
Rather than just tell us how capable the Rogue Warrior is, Nissan sent it onto the slopes in the hands of Nissan brand racer Olivier Bédard.
The Rogue is capable because of its tank tracks, true. However, it routes power from the engine to the treads through the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). While CVTs feel rubber-band-y in their power delivery, which can annoy driving purists, on the slopes it's actually a benefit.
That's because a smooth rolling on of torque at the wheels -- or, in this case, treads -- improves traction and acceleration even in slippery conditions.
Granted, that's the practical side of this story. The real fun is the driving over things that before seemed impassable. Sure, you never need tank treads on your affordable, seven-seat family-hauling crossover. Wouldn't you like to have them anyway, though? I know I would.