Well, I can now answer my own question. We just got back from our trip and decided to take the Rogue and not rent a 4 x 4. The Rogue was outstanding in the sand. While we personally saw a Chevy 4 x 4, Toyota Rav 4, a Lincoln AWD stuck in the sand, my husband navigated the Rogue beautifully through deep sand, up and over sand dunes and through deep ruts that others got stuck in. It was amazing. Besides using some common sense, lowering the tire pressure was the key. Of course, having a Nissan Rogue is awesome too!