The Chicago Auto Show has carved a unique niche in the auto show calendar. Whereas other events like Geneva and Detroit are considered the two biggest shows in the world, the Windy City’s version has evolved into a place where automakers showcase their latest accessories and special editions. Nissan, for example, is heavily involved in Chicago because most of its high-profile models, including the best-selling Nissan Rogue, are showing off their new Midnight Edition packages.

You might remember that Nissan initially offered the Midnight Edition package for the Maxima sedan a year ago. Well, it turns out that a lot of people liked the essence of the package that they started clamoring the Japanese automaker to expand its availability to other models wearing the Nissan badge. And so, here we are. Nissan not only gave in to those demands, it went above and beyond what was asked and developed packages for not one, but five new models, including the aforementioned Rogue compact SUV.

The Midnight Edition package for the Nissan Rogue consists mainly of aesthetic upgrades meant to infuse some sporting character to the vehicle. In as far as objectives are concerned, the Rogue’s Midnight Edition package not different from others of its kind, even if the specifics do vary depending on the model.

Remember though that if you’re looking for extensive upgrades to your Nissan Rogue, the Midnight Edition package doesn’t address everything you might be looking for. For one, engine upgrades are nowhere to be found and the interior add-ons are minimal at best. But if your expectations are right where they should be, the package should be an attractive option, especially since the added cost of it won’t necessarily burn holes in your pocket.

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan Rogue Midnight Edition package.

What makes the Nissan Rogue Midnight Package so special?

On the surface, there’s not much to go around here because the upgrades themselves offer little in altering the way the Nissan Rogue looks. There are the usual aesthetic upgrades like the black mirror caps and the illuminated kick plates but those are about it on the cosmetic side of things. Fortunately, the Rogue, likely because it’s Nissan’s best-selling model in the U.S. by a long shot, also benefits from having some useful additions, courtesy of the Midnight Edition package. The roof rails and cross bars have their specific functions, as do the rear bumper protector and the splash guards.

At least there’s some justification there in paying extra to get the package since those rails, bars, and guards could prove themselves to be useful in specific outdoor activities. The last upgrade here is the set of 17-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, which is actually a nice touch when installed into the Rogue. The whole cost of the SUV’s Midnight Edition package adds up to $990, a pretty fair price for what it comes with.

It’s clear that this Midnight Edition packages are being offered to drum up more interest in the models that are getting them. Some, like the Rogue, don’t need them whereas others, like the Sentra, have a chance to benefit if they're able to parlay their packages into legitimate interest in the model itself. Either way, Nissan is playing it smart by offering these new packages and packaging them though a “high demand” rationale. It’s an effective way to go about it adding more interest in the automaker’s lineup, regardless of whether people agree with the quality of upgrades.

Obviously, not everybody is on board with the notion of a car receiving so few upgrades and still getting the special edition designation. The argument, and it’s a fair one at that, is that special editions need to be special for a reason. Splashing black paint on certain body panels and adding a fresh set of wheels doesn’t count as being special enough to warrant the title. I can agree with that to a certain extent, but I also can’t blame Nissan for taking this approach since it’s only answerable to its own bottom line.

The Nissan Rogue has had "legitimate" special editions in the past

I understand that some aren’t as warm on the Night Edition package and the have every reason to feel disappointed since there’s already a precedent of what a legitimate special edition Rogue should be about. Remember the Nissan Rogue One Star Wars Edition from November 2016?

Note: photo of the Nissan Rogue One Star Wars Edition.

It may not have been comprehensive itself in adding a significant number of upgrades, but it did accomplish one thing that the Rogue Midnight Edition doesn’t: it created a unique identity that attached the Rogue to arguably the biggest movie franchise in history. It certainly helped that the Rogue One Star Wars Edition featured plenty of signature Star Wars motifs, including two specific body colors – Glacier White and Magnetic Black – that could just as easily been used to describe the colors of the Stormtroopers and Darth Vader. Move past the colors and you’ll also see an interior that comes with Rogue One badging on the front doors, logo decals of the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire on the D-pillar, and a Star Wars logo clear rear bumper protector.

Move inside and the Star Wars treatment is just as evident, as exemplified by the illuminated kick plates that features the Star Wars logo and the aforementioned Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire logos in the cupholder inserts and the interior accent lighting. All these modifications are part of a cabin that also includes a charcoal color treatment for the interior, not to mention some tech goodies like Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, and a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, among others. It’s important to remember too that the Rogue One Star Wars Edition also comes with Nissan’s very own Sun and Sound Touring package, which counts a panoramic moonroof and a Bose audio system among its notable features.

Engine options did remain standard for these special edition Rogues, as is often the case when Nissan adopts special edition goodies on these models. In the case of the Rogue, its 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine still produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque while mated to the company’s new Xtoronic transmission.

Like it or not, the Nissan Rogue Midnight Edition package still has some value

The only complain I have is that Nissan didn’t take the next step in adding more value to the Midnight Edition package, either through more aerodynamic components or by simply offering upgrades to the compact SUV’s performance capabilities. I know it’s a reach to assume that Nissan would add some extra power to the Rogue’s 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but a little extra juice here and there could have worked in keeping the skeptics at bay.

Ultimately though, I think the Rogue’s Midnight Edition package will turn into the most popular of the lot that Nissan just showcased at the Chicago Auto Show. Not only is it for the company’s best-selling model – with 329,904 units sold in 2016, edging out the Altima with 307,380 units sold in the same year – but the list of extra accessories included in the package provide a steady combination of style and functionality for less than $1,000 at that.