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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  Rattle Trap - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By dogwood - December 24 - 7:47 pm

  This car is too small and was a rattle trap with 25,000 miles. I drove the car for 2 weeks and found it to be very inadequate. Interior is low budget materials with distracting orange lights in the dash at night. This is very unacceptable. The car seems to be of low quality and would most likely not hold up over time.

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  Update on 2008 Rogue - BAD!!!!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter55 - October 31 - 4:00 am

  OK...so heres my update on my 2008 Rogue, SL AWD, since 2010. a year and a half ago the CVT transmission went out. although Nissan extended the warranty on it to 120,000, it happened at 124k and they wouldnt replace it. ok, so i paid almost $5000 to replace it. then last month, at 185,000, the timing chain broke. mechanic said that he could go into it and replace it about $2000-$3000, but if he went in and found the teeth broken on the gears, or any other damage that could have happened, then the engine would have to be replaced at about $5000. needless to say, i decided to throw in the the towel and not put any more into it.

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  A big mistake. - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Warren lind - August 3 - 2:33 pm

  Bought the Rouge in July. After 600 miles of driving, the gas pedal and steeringwheel started viabrating between 30 and 60 miles per hour. Brought it back to the dealership. They checked it out and found a small vibration. After four times bringing it back to the dealership and my complaints , they brought in the big guns (Factory rep). After a twenty minute drive that I drove to go over the same things the (rep) said exactly what I expected. The vibration is a characteristic of the car. Nothing they can do. Stuck with it. Keep the payments coming please. To me It seems Nissan has no real interest in the problem. Hope that you are not one of the unlucky owners with this problem.

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  The CVT Is The Kiss of Death... - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Boston Fireguy - May 1 - 3:11 am

  I just put 500 miles on a 2016 S model rental in southwest Florida. It had just 3000 miles on the clock. The positive: The A/C provided plenty of cool, quiet cooling. The engine was smooth at idle, even with the A/C engaged. Plenty of room for 4 checked pieces of luggage. The doors provided easy entering and exiting. The satellite radio reception was very good. Wind noise was minimal. The dash layout was good, with easy to reach controls, easy to read gauges and easy to navigate trip computer & settings. The 12 volt outlets were powered with or without the ignition on. The LED daytime running lights are sharp looking. The leg room front & rear was very adequate. The minuses: The snowmobile transmission always caused the engine to drone loudly during normal acceleration. At around 40 mph the engine would bog down. The sport mode surprisingly made it worse, even with the driver only. The firm front & rear seats were uncomfortable after 25 miles. The space carved out of the dash by the ignition switch made inserting the key difficult. The outside temperature reading was always off 8-10 degrees. The speakers were very weak, even for a basic model. The passenger side wiper arc was small, missing about 25% of the right side windshield. With the cruise control engaged a slight incline caused the engine to drone loudly. The halogen headlights were just so so bright. When opening the front doors ones hand would hit the lock button, a potential problem if the key was still in the ignition. Did I mention that dreaded transmission? If this represents Nissans auto drivetrains I will never rent one again, let alone buy one. Just mine and my wifes 2 cents worth...

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By lmoris - December 11 - 11:19 am

  Ive had problems with my car for awhile now. When Im stopped, the entire car shutters, this also happens when I accelerate. My rpms also jump from 3-6 (Im not speeding)and when I let off the accelerator to slow down, my speed stays the same with my rpms going back and forth from 3-6. I called the dealership where I purchased the car and I was told that since my check engine light has NOT come on, they cant help me. They can look at it for $57.00 but the computer has not recognized any problems yet so there is not much they can do. Basically, drive it until you break down. Nice!! I called the corporate office and was told they stand behind what I was told by the dealership!!Fantastic

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  Sorry we bought this!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Pat Evans - November 21 - 8:23 am

  We purchased this car thinking we would never have another new car since we are retired and getting old and wont be driving that many years. The wind noise in this car is so bad we cant talk. We have taken it back to dealer any number of times. First they said Nissan was working on the problems and to come back in a month, we did that, after 3 trips to dealership we are getting that is a characteristic of this car and nothing can be done about it. We are very unhappy with the way we have been treated. I am really not just an old woman trying to grip, we do have a problem and can not get any one to help us. All I can say dont buy a Nissan Rouge, it is a waste of good money.

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  CVT transmission issues - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By denver13 - October 24 - 1:13 am

  Please google Nissan Rogue CVT transmission issues before considering this vehicle. I used to love my Rogue, but after 2 years of driving it, some serious concerns came up. I had multiple experiences where the transmission overheated, putting the vehicle into safety mode. When it is in safety mode, it DOES NOT GO. This happened to me on the highway, and right after getting off of the highway in the middle of an intersection. This issue has been reported in several instances, so please do research it! Nissan is aware of the reports, but only offered me a solution of changing the transmission fluid. I traded it in, as I found the vehicle too risky and unreliable. Please be careful.

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  Not impressed at all - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Alexander Todorov - April 18 - 9:02 pm

  I rented a Nissan Rouge for a week, during the winter season. The heating is horrible compared to Toyota. I have driven the car on a highway mostly using the ECO mode, and have never reached 33mpg. The acceleration is terrible very slow comparing to the same SUV models. To connect my iPhone with a Bluetooth was a kind of pain till I figure out that the name is not My car its my Rouge. To turn off daily highlights was a kind of tricky and overcomplicated. I definitely will not consider buying Rouge.

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  This Car Sucks - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By vicjosh - April 17 - 1:56 pm

  i bought a 2011 nissan rogue thinking id made a good investment. within 1 yr the cvt in the transmission went out while i was driving onthe interstate barely making it to safety. i called Nissan Consumer affairs to be advised that the 2011 model is not under the extended warranty and given a 3500 est of repair.. help anyone is there any petition to get this vehicle recalled or is there an open class action suite filed... any help would be appreciated

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  Lemon that Nissan has yet to fix or replace - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By bleedblue165 - March 31 - 2:18 pm

  Would NOT buy again. This was our second Rouge and wife loved Nissan, until 1 year after purchase. Began having severe mechanical problems & Auto Centers Nissan, Woodriver Illinois was unable to fix the problem. They contacted the engineering department at Nissan, they were told only 1 other vehicle had ever exhibited these problems. The vehicle frequently has a bucking or jerking motion, as if the transmission was slamming in to gear. It did this to their mechanic and shut down on him while he was driving, as well as eventually shutting down on my wife while she was on the interstate in downtown St. Louis, Mo. Hasnt been fixed and Nissan has refused to replace.