Overview & Reviews

Like many of the two dozen or so compact crossovers on the market today, the Nissan Rogue seeks to provide the all-weather capability and commanding driving position of an SUV, along with the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a typical car. It does this quite well, and it also adds bold, son-of-Murano styling to make it desirable for its form as well as its function.

Although the Nissan Rogue has never delivered an especially inspiring engine and transmission combination, performance has always been passable, and the current generation is notable for its stellar fuel economy. The second-generation Rogue also has a spacious interior with a large cargo hold and, rare for this class, an available third row of seating. Earlier Nissan Rogues weren't as roomy, but they were more nimble to drive through turns. Overall, we think a new or used Rogue presents a compelling overall package that merits consideration alongside traditional segment leaders.

Current Nissan Rogue
Completely redesigned for 2014, the current Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five or seven, depending on how it's equipped. Compared with the previous Rogue, it offers a much larger backseat, significantly more cargo capacity, higher fuel economy ratings and a longer list of safety features.

All Nissan Rogues are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, and buyers have a choice between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. With either drivetrain, fuel economy ratings are above average for this class.

The Rogue is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL. Standard equipment on the base S includes 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connectivity and a four-speaker sound system. The SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, smartphone integration features and a six-speaker sound system. The SL comes with all that plus 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, voice controls, a 360-degree parking camera system, a navigation system (with a 7-inch touchscreen) and a nine-speaker sound system.

Key options include a two-passenger third-row seat (S and SV models only), a power liftgate and a panoramic sunroof. Optional safety equipment includes a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system, a forward collision warning system and "moving object detection" (which works in conjunction with the multi-view parking cameras).

One thing we always liked about the original Nissan Rogue that has carried over to the second generation is the smooth ride quality. Neither the steering nor the handling is particularly sporty, but most buyers will appreciate the Rogue's relaxed demeanor. In reviews, we've found the Nissan's 2.5-liter engine adequate to the task of commuting. During harder acceleration, there's a noticeable growl from the engine as the CVT maintains a constant high engine rpm to provide the motivation needed for passing and merging. This makes for a noisier cabin environment than in some competitors.

Otherwise, the Rogue's cabin is a pretty nice place to be. Materials quality is high, and everything is put together with care. Nissan's available infotainment interface is quite easy to use as well. Seat comfort is excellent in the first two rows, and thanks to 9 inches of fore/aft adjustment, the 40/20/40 second-row seat is adult-friendly. The available third-row bench is a kids-only proposition, but the fact that Nissan offers one at all gives the Rogue a leg up on its rivals from Ford, Honda and Toyota.

Used Nissan Rogue Models
The first-generation Rogue debuted for the 2008 model year and was produced through 2013. After 2013, this Rogue continued on as the Nissan Rogue Select (reviewed separately), which is identical save for its abbreviated options list.

The original Nissan Rogue used the same 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the current model. All versions were offered in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive configurations, and a CVT was standard.

First-generation Nissan Rogues were available in two trim levels: S and SV (known as the SL from 2008-'10). You got the basics with the S, including keyless entry, air-conditioning and full power accessories, along with an iPod interface. However, things like privacy glass, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and satellite radio were available either within an option package or on the SV. Higher-end items like heated leather seats, a navigation system and a Bose sound system were available as options on the SV as well.

Like the current crossover, the first-generation Rogue offered a smooth, comfortable ride. Handling was actually a bit sportier than on the current version, while acceleration was fairly quick for a small four-cylinder crossover. However, engine noise was a persistent annoyance during passing maneuvers, as the CVT kept engine revs high to maximize the available power.

Styling is a subjective matter, of course, but to our eyes, the first-gen Rogue cut a rather dashing profile compared to its compact crossover brethren. Rear visibility consequently suffered, as did cargo capacity and rear-seat accommodations. Although this Rogue represents a good value as a used vehicle, shoppers needing room for child safety seats or a large dog will likely find it short on space.

Changes to the Nissan Rogue were minimal during this generation. It received minor styling updates for 2011, and trim levels and option packages were reshuffled over the years. For 2010-'11, the Rogue was offered in a Krom Edition model, which added larger wheels and cosmetic enhancements, including centrally located exhaust outlets.

User Reviews:

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  Piece of non USA junk - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Frank - July 31 - 5:13 pm

  Terrible design Nissan, my step sons vehicle, real dad bought it for him, cheap, piece of crap, both him and the vehicle, 135,000 miles paid $7000 for it, a little over a year and subframe bushings on front end bad, cant fix because Nissan parts everywhere dont sell bushings separate from subframe so have to replace the entire subframe for the price of, wait for it, $1200!!!! That doesnt include labor! What a stupid idea! Good luck if you buy this junk vehicle!

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  DO NOT BUY A NISSAN - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Sally Bell - April 13 - 3:53 am

  I will never buy a Nissan again! I own a Nissan Rouge and my car stopped working while I was on the freeway while my daughters were in the car. I found out it was my transmission (CVT) but Nissan refused to replace it since I was 1,700 miles outside of the warranty. There was no indication there was even an issue or that I should take my car in; which would have saved me thousands of dollars, prevented being without a car for over a week, and putting me and my family in grave danger. It is extremely upsetting and disheartening that Nissan cares so little for their loyal customers.

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  A fool and his money - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By a fool and his money - March 21 - 8:33 pm

  Center display showing how fast you are going and odometer reading failed after three days purchase, (tuned white) no data could be read, display cluster on backorder for over a week no date on when we will getting a new part. First tank of gas not used, the dealer has had the SUV longer for repair then we had it to drive it. UPDATE WEEK 2 has passed still no date on when the replacement display cluster will be here. They say (Nissan) is making a new display cluster when they get it done, will take another 5 days for the Model company to have it loaded with our ROGUES, VIN # and mileage only 85 miles. Then it will need to be installed by the dealer. UPDATE WEEK 3 has passed still no date on when the replacement display cluster will be here. They say they sent the display to the Model company but they do not know where it is no tracking number, right. Next week the state LEMON car LAW ( 30 days ) will start so this will be ending some how next week. Called consumers affairs at Nissan the person assigned to the problem is to busy to call us back they must have a lot of people with Nissan car problems to fix. UPDATE WEEK 6 has passed still no date on when the replacement display cluster will be here. The part department said the a new display would be them to install in our SUV ROGUES 3/13/2017 BUT NEVER CAME and surprise no PART and NO FEDEX tracking number for part at wits end.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By George - August 27 - 9:21 am

  In my Rogue there is excessive vibration in steering wheel when accelerating at speeds 25 to 50 MPH. Attribute the cause to the powertrain, probably the horrible belt drive transmission Nissan seems to be married to. Could be a bad tranny but I am sure I will get no satisfaction at the dealership. Seats uncomfortable, very hard, not the zero-gravity comfortable seats found in the Altima. Car came with badly out of balance tires. Car is noisy at highway speeds. On the positive side, very beautiful styling, big improvement over the former models. Also, outstanding bodywork and paint. By far the best paint work of any Nissan, especially the ones manufactured in Mexico. I suspect that this car is manufactured in a Kia factory but with a Nissan engine and transmission. Anyway, I am very depressed that I bought this car. Fortunately I am leasing it for only 3 years. I really hate getting stuck with a car that feels cheaply made. Hopefully the dealership can do something about the powertrain vibration. Could be my last Nissan. Dont want anymore CVT transmissions. Horrible. I love Nissan styling. Right now I own 4. But no more unless Nissan puts real transmissions in their cars. I also worry about dependability and being faced with expensive transmission replacements at 90,000 miles.

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  scam - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Aj - March 6 - 7:11 pm

  make sure company will not scam you with maintenance plan

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  Freezing in winter - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Sandy - December 29 - 12:46 am

  There are not enough vents for the floor heater. My feet and legs are never warm. Took my Rogue to the dealer. I was told this is a common issue with the Rogue, and there is nothing they can do.

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  DO NOT PURCHASE THE ROGUE - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By R Fields - November 3 - 4:25 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Nissan Rogue within in the 1st week the transmission was SHOT! Now a year later: Radiator, Mass Air Sensor and Software DONE! Dealership cost over 3K of repairs! and they stating "WE ARE NOT SURE IF THE ENGINE WILL WORK AFTER REPAIRS"! PLEASE DO NOT BUY A ROGUE, NEW OR USED, READ ALL THE REVIEWS!!!!

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  Kiddie Pool inside of your rogue! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By paul_ny - October 7 - 11:54 pm

  I bought a Nissan Rogue 2014 SV full package with moon roof, on December 2013. Since than I had to come back to the dealer few times: First it was missing All wheel drive Harness, they simply forgot to install it on my car. There was no AWD nor Hill descent, the part was ordered and installed. It kind of makes you think, what else did they forget to install?. But the best one yet, I noticed that area under passenger seat is moist,I thought it was spilled water and ignored this at first, but it kept coming back more and more, took it to the dealer. He said it was clogged sun roof drain, that he fixed, few days passed to my surprise I notice around 1" of water under passenger seat today.

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  Nissans Warranty is very bad! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jessekoehn - August 28 - 10:31 pm

  Purchased a New 2014 Nissan Rogue Fully Loaded with all options AWD, but after 1 week Paint is now coming off the front bumper. Contacted Nissan Immediately only to get transferred to someone who will do nothing and stated that it must be bird [non-permissible content removed] and will not cover the quality of a Nissan product purchased after 7 days.

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  Id rather take the bus! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Mrs. S - April 5 - 5:23 am

  Leased this crossover last June. Has only 6K miles on it and I have 2 years left on lease. I HATE this auto!!! I hated it after only 1 month! You take your life in your hands when you change lanes in heavy traffic! This car has many blindspots! No pickup whatsoever!!!Takes forever for the car to get warm/cold! Sounds like an angry mosquito when you accelerate! I tell the kids to "lean foward" when I am getting onto the highway...Already have had 2 serious recalls. Now I have an "service engine soon" light that wont go off. I am sure its a gas cap issue, but I cant take a day off to waste waiting around at the dealership! Dont even Sit in this car!Paid top $$$ for this DUD!